Jenna Elizabeth Hewitt, a 15-year-old girl from Charlotte, North Carolina, tragically lost her life on February 24, 2019. Jenna, a sophomore at Ardrey Kell High School, was killed in a double murder-suicide while attending a sleepover at her friend Kate Chaplin's house. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when 23-year-old John Bocek broke into the home and shot Jenna and Kate's father, 51-year-old Matthew Chaplin, before turning the gun on himself.
Jenna Hewitt was a
vibrant and athletic teenager who participated in field hockey and swimming. She was well-loved by her friends, family, and coaches, who remembered her as a free spirit with a big heart. The community was deeply affected by her untimely death, and her classmates at Ardrey Kell High School wore black to honor her memory.
The motive behind the murder-suicide was rooted in Bocek's infatuation with Kate Chaplin. After meeting Kate on Instagram in January, Bocek became obsessed with her and did not take her refusal to date him well. This rejection ultimately led to the tragic events that unfolded on February 24, 2019. Prior to the incident, Bocek had been wanted on warrants for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon in connection to a crime involving Kate Chaplin.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the community came together to support Jenna's family and friends. A funeral service was held at Harrison United Methodist Church in Pineville, followed by a private burial. The loss of Jenna Elizabeth Hewitt left a lasting impact on those who knew her, and her memory continues to be cherished by her loved ones.
