Autopsy Finds Park Forest Teen Tyreke Jenkins Was Fatally Shot in the Back

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- The Medical Examiner’s office concluded that Tyreke Jenkins, 18, the Park Forest teen found in the utility easement in the 300 block of Somonauk Street Monday just after noon was fatally shot in the back. Mr. Jenkins’ death was ruled a homicide, an official with the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office said.

Police Chief Christopher Mannino said was unable to comment as this is an active investigation, but did tell eNews Park Forest, “We do have reason to believe the incident unfolded where he was found and shortly before police response.”

Park Forest Police were dispatched to the area of a utility easement behind the 300 block of Somonauk Street on Monday, February 18, 2019 at 12:37 p.m., for a report of a man down, according to the statement.

Whatever happened occurred in that utility easement, Park Forest Police told eNews Park Forest.

Officers found the 18-year-old Park Forest resident unresponsive, and Park Forest Paramedics confirmed he was deceased, police said in the statement.

Due to signs of trauma, the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force was requested and the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services was requested for crime scene processing, according to police.

Preliminary investigation indicates that this was not a random crime, according to the statement.

One witness reported on Facebook hearing a woman scream and a dog barking just before police arrived.

“In an effort to ensure we report the most accurate information, we are waiting on the autopsy results before releasing any cause of death,” Police Chief Christopher Mannino told eNews Park Forest.

The Park Forest Police Department asks that anyone who might have seen or heard anything suspicious contact the Investigations Division at (708) 748-1309.

Updated on Feb. 21, 2019 at 10:20 a.m. to indicate that the shooting took place in the utility easement, per Park Forest Police.