Body camera footage released by Connecticut officials shows a Meriden police officer repeatedly ordering a man to drop a baseball bat before opening fire as the suspect continued attacking his father in what authorities described as a deadly domestic violence incident.
The Connecticut Office of the Inspector General released the video this week as part of its investigation into the officer-involved shooting, which occurred Sunday morning on Sagamore Road in Meriden. Officials warned the footage contains graphic violence.
Officer encountered attack in progress
According to investigators, Meriden police responded around 10 a.m. after receiving reports of an active domestic violence incident involving a weapon.
When Officer Anthony Offiaeli arrived, he found 38-year-old Robert Jenkins III repeatedly striking his 69-year-old father, Robert Jenkins Jr., in the head with a baseball bat. The officer shouted multiple commands for Jenkins to drop the bat, but investigators say the assault continued.
The body camera footage shows Offiaeli firing multiple rounds as Jenkins continued the attack. Authorities said the officer ultimately discharged 18 rounds before the suspect stopped.
WARNING: The following video contains graphic content. Viewer discretion is advised.
Father and son both died
Robert Jenkins Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene from blunt-force injuries to the head.
Robert Jenkins III was transported to Hartford Hospital, where he later died from multiple gunshot wounds. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled both deaths homicides.
The officer was evaluated at a hospital following the shooting and later released.
Separate investigations underway
As required under Connecticut law, the Office of the Inspector General is investigating the officer’s use of deadly force, while Connecticut State Police are handling the homicide investigation into the fatal bat attack.
Meriden Police Chief Roberto Rosado said the incident underscores the dangers officers face when responding to violent emergencies.
Mayor Kevin Scarpati also praised the responding officers while offering condolences to those affected, calling the attack an isolated tragedy that posed no continuing threat to the public.
Suspect had history of violence
Court records show Robert Jenkins III had a documented history of mental illness and prior violent offenses.
In 2019, he was convicted after assaulting another patient at a psychiatric hospital in an unprovoked attack captured on surveillance video. He also previously faced charges for assaulting a public safety officer.
Authorities have not disclosed what prompted Sunday’s fatal attack on his father. The investigations into both the homicide and the officer-involved shooting remain ongoing.
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