In the early morning hours of December 14, 2015, a dispute that began with a robbery attempt culminated in the shooting death of 25-year-old Raquan Jenkins in the Clifton section of Staten Island. The incident, which also left a 17-year-old male wounded, unfolded at the intersection of Tompkins and Vanderbilt avenues. Police responded to a call of an assault at approximately 4:12 a.m.
and discovered both victims with gunshot wounds.
Jenkins had sustained a gunshot wound to the torso and was transported to Richmond University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The second victim, who was shot in the arm, was also taken to the same hospital and was listed in stable condition.
Investigations into the shooting revealed a narrative of retaliation. Reports indicate that Jenkins had been the victim of an attempted robbery earlier and was seeking revenge against the individual he believed was responsible. This pursuit of retribution ultimately led to the fatal confrontation.
On March 30, 2016, authorities announced an arrest in connection with Jenkins's death. A suspect was charged with murder, though their identity was not immediately made public. The arrest brought a sense of closure to the community, which had been shaken by the violence. The case proceeded through the legal system, highlighting the ongoing issues of gun violence in the borough.
