ROCKFORD, IL – Illinois authorities have arrested Timothy Carter, 28, after he allegedly stabbed a Walmart employee to death Sunday evening. Rockford Police were summoned to the Walmart located at 3849 Northridge Drive around 6:05 p.m.
According to the legal complaint, store surveillance footage revealed Carter removing two knives- a silver kitchen knife and a red hunting knife- from the store shelves. Witnesses and video footage reportedly show him wandering the store, seemingly throwing hostile looks at African American individuals who were in the store.
Carter allegedly snuck up behind an 18-year-old employee, Jason Jenkins, and stabbed him in the back, per court documents. Bystanders reported hearing the victim call for help, with one witness alleging that a racial slur was uttered by Carter post the attack.
Upon arrival, law enforcement officers detained Carter, who stayed around the scene. According to the arrest report, Carter claimed to have experienced a mental health crisis earlier in the day. He communicated to the police that he sought mental health services but was denied help. Carter expressed his intention to commit suicide.
Following the incident, victim Jenkins was rushed to Javon Bea Mercyhealth Riverside, where he succumbed to his injuries later.
Carter, a resident of Cabery, Illinois, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He is expected to make his initial court appearance on Monday at 1:30 p.m.
The Walmart store has been temporarily closed in the wake of the incident.