On Saturday, October 19, 2024, an incident of attempted murder occurred in a shared residence in the 1400 block of Ft. Harrison Avenue N in Clearwater. The suspect, identified as Jeremiah Jenkins, age 50, allegedly attacked a fellow roommate with a paring knife.
According to the arrest affidavit, Jenkins approached the victim in their shared home and stabbed him in the neck, causing severe lacerations. A physical struggle ensued, during which the victim attempted to defend himself. Despite the struggle, Jenkins managed to stab the victim again in the neck.
Jenkins then contacted 911 and admitted to the attack while speaking with dispatchers. The victim was flown to the trauma center at Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital by an air ambulance with life-threatening injuries. Jenkins was also transported to the hospital for a medical evaluation.
Post-Miranda, Jenkins confessed to the offense, stating that they had been using the knife to cut tuna before the attack and did not know why he stabbed the victim.
Jenkins expressed a desire for the victim to be “in peace” and confirmed that no confrontation had occurred before the stabbing.
A criminal history check revealed that Jenkins had previously been charged with attempted murder by the Richmond Police Department in West Virginia on September 13, 1992. That charge was later changed to aggravated battery.
The investigation is ongoing, and Jenkins remains in custody.