On New Year's Day 2026, a burst of gunfire shattered the evening calm in a parking lot on South Broadway in Lexington, Kentucky, tragically cutting short the life of 20-year-old Mauricio Jenkins. The shooting, which occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m., also claimed the life of another 20-year-old, Julio Vazquez, and left a third individual in critical condition, marking a violent start to the new year for the city.
Responding to calls of a shooting, Lexington police officers arrived at
the 300 block of Virginia Avenue to find the three victims in a parking lot in the 1000 block of South Broadway. Jenkins was pronounced dead at the scene from his injuries. Vazquez was rushed to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. The third victim was also transported for emergency medical care.
The investigation into the triple shooting was immediately launched by the Lexington Police Department. Detectives began canvassing the area for evidence and seeking any information from the public that could lead to the identification of a suspect or suspects. Authorities urged local businesses and residents to review their surveillance footage for any activity that might be connected to the incident.
In the days following the shooting, the Fayette County Coroner's Office formally identified Mauricio Jenkins and Julio Vazquez as the deceased victims. However, law enforcement officials have not yet released any information regarding a possible motive for the shooting. As the investigation continues, no arrests have been announced, and no suspects have been publicly identified in connection with the deaths of the two young men. Police have continued to appeal to the community for any information that might help bring those responsible to justice.
