A heartbreaking plea from 21-year-old Janiya Jenkins moments before her death is bringing new attention to a horrific double murder in Streamwood, a suburb outside Chicago.
Police confirmed that during a phone call, Janiya was heard begging, “Don’t kill the kids,” just minutes before she and her 10-year-old sister, Eyani Jones, were found stabbed to death in their McKool Avenue home last Wednesday night.
Suspect Arrested After Four-Day Manhunt
The suspected attacker, 25-year-old Jalonie Jenkins, was arrested late Sunday night in Downers Grove following an extensive four-day search. Authorities have yet to publicly confirm his relationship to the victims, and formal charges remain pending.
Attack Witnessed by Other Children
Police revealed that the violent attack took place in the presence of other children. A neighbor shared that her daughter was on the phone with the sisters during the incident and recounted Janiya’s desperate attempt to protect the younger children. Following the murders, two surviving children escaped the home to alert neighbors about the tragedy.
Community Mourns and Remembers
The Streamwood community has been deeply affected by the tragedy. Residents gathered to create a growing memorial near the family’s home, expressing grief and solidarity.
Neighbor Denise Howard fondly remembered Eyani as a joyful child who was like a granddaughter to her. “She always called me grandma. She gave me a hug every time,” Howard said. “One person hurt a whole community when he did that.”