In December of 2017, the life of 35-year-old Bridget Shenk was tragically cut short in her Staten Island apartment. Responding to a 911 call shortly after midnight, police discovered Shenk unconscious with a gunshot wound to her chest. She was pronounced dead at the scene. At the time of her death, Shenk, a female, was three months pregnant.
The initial investigation quickly led to a suspect, Keith Jackson, who was Shenk's 43-year-old boyfriend. Police reports indicate that the couple had been involved in a dispute in the second-floor hallway of their apartment building on Trantor Place. During the argument, Jackson allegedly shot Shenk, who then stumbled back into her apartment before collapsing. Jackson was taken into custody at the scene without incident, and a. 40-caliber handgun was recovered.
According to Shenk's mother, her daughter was excited about her pregnancy, a sentiment that was not shared by Jackson. It was reported that he did not want the child. This disagreement is believed to have been the catalyst for the fatal argument. Neighbors also confirmed Shenk's happiness about becoming a mother. Records indicated that police had been called to the couple's residence on three prior occasions for domestic disputes.
Following his arrest, Keith Jackson was charged with murder and criminal possession of a firearm. In March 2019, following a two-week jury trial, he was convicted of Murder in the Second Degree and criminal possession of a weapon. Later that month, he was sentenced to 28 years to life in prison for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend.
