Chicago-Area Man Accused of Killing Wife, Then Going to Church with Her Friends

A 45-year-old Illinois man allegedly gunned down his estranged spouse in her backyard before joining mutual acquaintances at worship, where her absence raised alarm.

Chicago-Area Man Accused of Killing Wife, Then Going to Church with Her Friends

A 45-year-old man from Illinois stands accused of fatally shooting his estranged partner in her own yard, then appearing at a worship service with mutual acquaintances who soon realized something was terribly wrong.

Prosecutors in Chicago say Eddie Jenkins drove to the residence of 36-year-old Kiara Jenkins in the Woodlawn area during the early morning hours of January 18. He allegedly left his Buick Enclave parked a short distance away and continued on foot.

Residents in the vicinity told investigators they overheard a heated dispute between the couple, who were in the midst of dissolving their marriage. Moments later, the sound of gunfire echoed through the neighborhood.

Security footage reportedly shows a man matching Eddie Jenkins' description sprinting through a nearby alley toward his parked SUV and speeding off. He then returned to his own residence, roused the couple's five children, and brought them to a church gathering.

Attendees at the service—friends of both spouses—grew uneasy when Kiara failed to appear. Several went to check on her and discovered her lifeless body behind the home. She had sustained several gunshot injuries.

On January 29, patrol officers stopped Eddie Jenkins in his vehicle. He allegedly accelerated away as they neared, prompting a pursuit. He was apprehended later that day.

He now faces counts of first-degree homicide, evading police, and unlawful concealed carry. Following a custody hearing, a judge ruled he must remain jailed until his next appearance, slated for July 22.

Source: Law & Crime

Source: Law & Crime