Rockford, Illinois – Police in Rockford, Illinois have charged Timothy Carter, 28, with murder following an incident at a Walmart where an 18-year-old employee was stabbed to death on Sunday night. The tragic event took place at the Walmart located at 3849 Northridge Drive at around 6:05 p.m., according to Rockford Police.
Surveillance video from the store revealed that Carter grabbed two knives, a silver kitchen knife, and a red hunting knife, off of the shelves before wandering around the store and notably giving dirty looks to African American individuals. It was reported in the criminal complaint that Carter then approached the victim, Jason Jenkins, and stabbed him once in the back. Witnesses heard Jenkins screaming for help, with one individual stating they heard Carter use a racial slur after the stabbing.
Following the incident, Carter remained in the store until authorities arrived and took him into custody. The arrest report indicated that Carter mentioned experiencing a mental health crisis earlier that day and seeking mental health treatment, but claimed to have been turned away and expressed suicidal intentions.
Jenkins was transported to Javon Bea Mercyhealth Riverside, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Carter, who does not have a Rockford address but has lived in Cabery, Illinois, was charged with First Degree Murder. He is scheduled for an initial court appearance on Monday at 1:30 p.m.
Walmart has since released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of their employee and condemning the violent attack. The store remains closed following the tragic incident. WalMart’s statement assured that they would continue to support their associates affected by the incident and cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation. Actions like this were described as inexcusable, with gratitude expressed towards law enforcement for swiftly apprehending the suspect.