On Monday night (September 18th), protesters rallied outside Rosemont’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, demanding a federal investigation into the death of 19-year old Chicago woman, Kenneka Jenkins.
Kenneka Jenkins went missing after attending a party at the hotel on September 8th. On September 10th, her body was found in the hotel freezer, but officials investigating the case have deemed Kenneka’s death as noncriminal, that there is “no credible evidence at this point” to conclude otherwise. Reading between the lines, the authorities feel at this time that Kenneka inadvertently caused her own death, trapping herself inside of the freezer.
Rosemont Police have come heavily under fire from the public, who feel that they have not exhausted all avenues, but it appears that their police chief does not agree with the public outcry. In a statement to the Chigaco Sun Times, he had this to say:
“This investigation has been and remains the utmost priority for us,” Rosemont Police Chief Donald E. Stephens III said in the statement. “Throughout this investigation we have used any and all outside agencies necessary to complete a thorough investigation and will continue to do so as needed.”
“I am fully confident in the ability of each and every one of the officers, detectives, and leadership team charged with this case. At no time have I doubted the work that is being done.”
Last week, a video surfaced of Kenneka stumbling around in the hotel’s kitchen alone. However, there is no footage of her walking into the hotel’s kitchen. The Crowne Plaza has invited the family to view all 36 hours of footage.
The investigation into Kenneka Jenkins’ death continues.
