Arrest Made in Las Vegas in Connection with Murder of Tyreke Jenkins

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Park Forest police confirm there has been an arrest in the murder of Tyreke Jenkins. The Park Forest teenager was found in the utility easement in the 300 block of Somonauk Street on Monday, February 18, 2019, just after noon. He was fatally shot in the back and his death was ruled a homicide, an official with the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office said.

On March 11, Police Chief Christopher Mannino told eNews Park Forest regarding the investigation into Mr. Jenkins’ murder, “There has been substantial movement on this case, however we cannot provide details at this time due to the sensitivity of the investigation.”

The mother of Mr. Jenkins has been mourning his death daily on social media. Tyreke was 18 when he lost his life. He would have turned 19 on March 15.

Deputy Chief Brian Rzyski confirmed Saturday to eNews Park Forest that police did make an arrest in connection with this case, saying there will be an announcement “when charges are approved. We anticipate that occurring next week, specifically Thursday.”

The suspect “was arrested on a warrant in Las Vegas,” Deputy Chief Rzyski said, “however we still need to get approval for the charge, after extradition, therefore the case is still active and we are waiting until charges are approved to put out a press release.”

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 a February statement from Park Forest police.

Whatever happened in connection with Mr. Jenkins’ death 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 at the time indicated 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.

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