Rockford, Illinois – A Walmart employee in Illinois tragically lost his life in a racially motivated attack, with the suspect now facing murder charges. Timothy Carter, 28, was arrested for allegedly stabbing 18-year-old Jason Jenkins to death at a Walmart store on Sunday night.
The incident occurred at the Walmart on Northridge Drive, where police responded after receiving a distress call at around 6:05 p.m. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Carter grabbing two knives from the store shelves before targeting African American individuals in the store with hostile looks.
Carter then approached Jenkins from behind and stabbed him in the back, as witnesses heard the victim’s screams for help. An eyewitness stated that Carter used a racial slur after the attack. The suspect remained at the scene until law enforcement arrived and apprehended him.
According to authorities, Carter claimed to have experienced a mental health crisis earlier that day and sought treatment, but was allegedly turned away. He expressed suicidal intentions before the fatal stabbing. Jenkins was rushed to Javon Bea Mercyhealth Riverside, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Carter, who does not have a permanent address in Rockford but has resided in Cabery, Illinois, is scheduled for an initial court appearance on Monday afternoon. Walmart released a statement expressing shock and offering condolences to Jenkins’ family while condemning the violent act. The store remains closed as the investigation unfolds, with law enforcement being praised for their prompt response in apprehending the suspect.