Timothy Carter: Illinois man who gave Black people 'dirty looks' at Walmart stabs teen employee to death
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised
ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS: Police have charged an Illinois man with first-degree murder following the fatal stabbing of a Black Walmart employee, during which he allegedly shouted a racial slur.
Timothy Carter was taken into custody after authorities accused him of stabbing 18-year-old Jason Jenkins on Sunday, March 24, 2024.
Jason Jenkins shouted racial slur after stabbing Jason Jenkins
As per the criminal complaint, a witness reported hearing Timothy Carter shout a racial slur immediately after the stabbing.
Another witness, who recorded the aftermath, informed the police that she was shopping when she heard Jason Jenkins shouting for assistance. She claimed to have seen Carter holding a silver knife.
After examining security footage, authorities assert that Carter took two knives from the store — a red hunting knife and a silver kitchen knife — and walked around while giving "dirty looks" to African-American individuals.
According to the complaint, Carter then approached Jenkins from behind with the concealed knives and stabbed him in the lower back.
Jenkins was rushed to the hospital, where he died, People reports.
Timothy Carter claims he was denied mental health treatment
According to the complaint, when approached by police following the incident, Carter allegedly claimed that he had initially visited a local mental health and addiction treatment center. There, he informed staff of his intention to kill himself and was subsequently taken to the hospital.
Later, he allegedly informed an officer that he had arrived at the store after being discharged from the hospital without receiving mental health treatment. Jenkins attended Auburn High School in Rockford.
Walmart issued a statement expressing sorrow over the death of one of its associates due to a violent attack inside its Rockford, IL store.
The statement extended heartfelt condolences to the victim's family and pledged support to its associates.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and will continue providing our associates with the support they need. Actions like this are inexcusable, and we’re grateful to law enforcement for their swift action in arresting the presumed attacker. We’ll continue helping them in every possible way throughout their investigation,” the statement said.
Carter has not yet entered a plea, and it remains unclear whether he has secured legal representation.
