Tyreke Jenkins was an 18-year-old African American male from Park Forest, Illinois, found dead on February 18, 2019. His body was located in a utility easement behind homes in the 300 block of Somonauk Street. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Jenkins’ death a homicide after he sustained a fatal gunshot wound to his left side.

Park Forest police said Jenkins was likely killed shortly before his body was found and in the same vicinity. The South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force and the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services assisted with crime scene processing. Authorities later arrested a 17-year-old male from Richton Park on a first-degree murder charge; because he was a juvenile his name and booking photo were not released. The arrest was made on a warrant in Las Vegas.

Officials described the investigation as sensitive and did not disclose all details publicly. Investigators said Jenkins was not a random victim and appeared to have been the intended target of the shooting. If anyone has information that could help the investigation, please contact the Park Forest Police Department.