Timothy Carter, aged 28, is facing murder charges after being accused of fatally stabbing an 18-year-old Walmart employee, Jason Jenkins, on Sunday night.
Rockford Police responded to the incident at the Walmart located at 3849 Northridge Drive around 6:05 p.m.
As per the criminal complaint, surveillance footage from the store depicted Carter selecting two knives from the shelves—a silver kitchen knife and a red hunting knife—before roaming around and giving hostile looks to African American individuals.
Subsequently, he allegedly approached the employee from behind and stabbed him once in the back, as stated in court documents.
Witnesses reported hearing the victim cry out for assistance, with one stating they heard Carter use a racial slur following the attack.
Carter stayed in the store until law enforcement arrived and apprehended him.
As per the arrest report, Carter informed authorities that he experienced a mental health crisis earlier that day and sought treatment, but claimed he was denied assistance and expressed a desire to end his own life.
The victim was transported to Javon Bea Mercyhealth Riverside, where he succumbed to his injuries later on.
Carter was taken into custody and charged with First Degree Murder.
Authorities stated that Carter resides in Cabery, Illinois.
His initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday at 1:30 p.m. Walmart remains closed following the incident.
