In the spring of 2016, a senseless act of violence cut short the life of 9-year-old Zalayia Jenkins, a Black / African American girl from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On the evening of May 5th, Zalayia was inside her home near 15th and Meinecke when a shootout erupted between two groups outside. A stray bullet pierced the residence and struck the young girl in the head. For eleven days, she fought for her life in critical condition.
Tragically, on May 16, 2016, just one day shy of her tenth birthday, Zalayia was pronounced legally dead.
The shooting that claimed Zalayia's life was the result of a violent exchange where more than 40 casings were recovered at the scene. In the immediate aftermath, the Milwaukee community mourned the loss of another young life to gun violence. Law enforcement began an intensive investigation, and rewards totaling tens of thousands of dollars were offered for information that would lead to an arrest and conviction in the case. Initially, a person of interest was taken into custody but was later released without charges.
Over a year later, a significant breakthrough came in the investigation. In August 2017, three men were charged in connection with the fatal shooting. The suspects were identified as Tony Powell Jr., Otha Brown, and Damonta Jennings. According to the criminal complaint, the incident began with a confrontation over an apparent drug deal. A witness reportedly told the men not to sell drugs in the area, which led to an argument. Shortly after, the men allegedly returned and fired numerous rounds at the house from which an individual had emerged and confronted them. It was during this barrage of gunfire that the stray bullet struck and killed Zalayia Jenkins as she was inside her home.
