On April 22, 2023, in East Oakland, California, 13-year-old Desiree Jenkins and her mother, 44-year-old Rebecca Jenkins, were fatally shot in their apartment on Birch Street near 94th Avenue. The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. Desiree, a student at Montera Middle School, was hosting a sleepover with her best friend at the time. Tragically, both Desiree and her mother were pronounced dead at the scene.
Desiree's friend sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland for treatment. Two other children, a 7-year-old and an infant, were present in the apartment but were unharmed.
The suspect, identified as 46-year-old Antonio Lamont Powell, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and assault with a firearm. Powell, who was on parole for a prior domestic violence conviction, was reportedly involved in an argument with Rebecca Jenkins prior to the shooting. He has been charged with two counts of murder and four counts of felony child abuse. If convicted on all charges, Powell faces a potential sentence of 110 years to life in prison.
Family members have described the incident as a tragic case of domestic violence. Denise Jenkins, Rebecca's 15-year-old daughter, recounted hearing multiple gunshots and witnessing Powell in a rage before calling 911. She emphasized her mother's dedication to her children and remembered Desiree as a kind, energetic individual who aspired to own a hair salon.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Oakland Unified School District provided additional behavioral health support to affected schools and communities. A GoFundMe campaign was established to assist with burial costs and support the surviving children. The incident underscores the pervasive issue of domestic violence and its devastating impact on families and communities.
