Justice for Jonathan Jenkins 

Like most grandparents, I had a special relationship and a special connection with Jonathan. As grandparents, we don’t stop loving our children who are the parents of our grandchildren, but I believe GOD intended to create a special bond with grandchildren and their grandparents. 

Jonathan is not here to speak for himself, so I am speaking for him. On September 7, 2024, Jonathan left my house, thinking he was going to visit friends and had no reason to believe he would be unsafe. On September 9th, Jonathan was murdered by young men who he thought were his friends. Jonathan was twenty-two years old and, although there are some that leave here younger than that, it hurts because Jonathan had so much life to live. 

I want justice for Jonathan. I believe it was not an accident. The young men who were involved in Jonathan’s death must be charged with first degree murder. Nothing will bring Jonathan back, however he deserves justice. 

As many of our young black men sometimes go down the wrong path, Jonathan had a family dispute which led him to being incarcerated for 19 months. When I would talk with Jonathan during those 19 months, mostly every day, he would say to me how much he loved his family and was sorry for the dispute that led to an assault.. 

Although the family dispute and assault were regrettable, by me talking to the judge as a concerned grandmother, God intervened and the whole incident was expunged from his record. I thanked God for that blessing.. 

During Jonathan’s incarceration, I sometimes worried, knowing there were young men being abused in the Clayton Justice Center. Jonathan did experience a guard almost breaking his arm. 

To make sure my grandson’s rights were not being violated, I read law books and made myself familiar with legal procedures. I said at the beginning of this letter that I am speaking out because Jonathan can’t speak for himself. However, I think it is important for all of us grandparents to be aware and talk to our grandchildren about their friends, social life, and just life situations. I know many of us believe we do this, but we must be more intentional and ask direct questions. 

I want justice for Jonathan. I believe it was not an accident. The young men who were involved in Jonathan’s death must be charged with first degree murder. Nothing will bring Jonathan back, however he deserves justice. 

Jonathan was not a perfect young man as none of us are perfect, but he still had purpose in this life, a life that was cut off too soon.. 

Elder Annette Jenkins 

Grandmother Seeking Justice