BITTERSWEET FEELINGS: David Jenkins and his wife, Sherrone, share a joyful moment after learning that the second suspect in their 9-year-old daughter's murder was arrested. (C.W. Griffin/Miami Herald Staff)
Joy, pain in 2nd arrest
By David Ovalle and Audra D.S. Burch
dovalle@MiamiHerald.com
Police found Damon Darling gambling on Thursday, in an apartment just one mile from where investigators believe he was involved in a gunfight that killed 9-year-old Sherdavia Jenkins in its crossfire.
The man known on the streets as Red Rock was charged Thursday evening on an outstanding probation violation from a previous drug conviction. But late Thursday night, authorities concluded they did not have enough information to connect him in Sherdavia's death.
The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office was meeting with Miami homicide detectives and planned more meetings today to discuss further charges. Miami Detective Delrish Moss, a police spokesman, said there were "a host of issues," but did not elaborate. "We hope to possibly charge him in the future," Moss said.
Earlier in the day, Sherdavia's family members were relieved at the news of Darling's capture.
"I am happy they got him, but I still can't help but think that he has friends,'' said David Jenkins, the girl's father.
"Don't call me a killjoy. Say I am overprotective or over-suspicious, maybe, but he has friends. There is no sense of relief because the violence is still happening."
Throughout the day, Miami homicide detectives were talking to Darling, who had spent three weeks on the run.
He was arrested about 3 a.m. Thursday at an apartment in Liberty City that was the site of a suspected illegal gambling operation.
Miami-Dade police got a tip about his location and surrounded the Lincoln Field apartments. He tried running, but did not get far, police said.
Sherdavia, a chess fan, was shot in the neck on July 1 as she played with two friends in front of her home in the Liberty Square housing project, commonly known as Pork 'n' Beans.
Police say Darling, 21, a convicted small-time drug peddler, got into a gunfight with Leroy LaRose, known on the streets as "Yellow Man," possibly over drugs.
LaRose was arrested July 6 and charged with felony murder. On LaRose's arrest form, police describe a gunfight between him and Darling. Darling is listed as a co-defendant on LaRose's arrest form. Detectives have not disclosed whose bullet killed Sherdavia.
Even though the girl was not targeted, under state law both men can be charged with murder because police say she died in the commission of a felony - in this case a gunfight.
A day of rollercoaster emotions began at 7 a.m. when Moss, who served as a key liaison to the bereaved parents, called them to say Darling has been placed in custody.
"I was happy. I was jumping up and down and screaming because I was so, so happy," said her mother, Sherrone Jenkins, who hugged the detective and planted a kiss on his cheek.
Said Moss: "I was really happy to deliver to them good news that puts them closer to closure in this case. Their reaction was priceless. It's why you do the job."
Sherdavia's death has given rise to a wave of community outrage, including protests and vigils aimed at curbing inner-city violence. It is one in a rising number of slayings, most involving young black men in North Miami-Dade.
Community members gathered again Thursday night to honor her memory.
The Miami Community Police Benevolent Association delivered the Jenkins family a check on Thursday to cover school supplies and clothing for their four surviving children, ages 15, 14, 8 and 4 years old.
"I am appreciative. I know my kids will appreciate everything you have done for us," said Sherrone Jenkins, 37. "This whole situation has been devastating."
Led by MCPBA President Vernell Reynolds, a group of police officers began canvassing Liberty Square, surveying neighbors on the problems that need to be addressed.
Questions covered emergency dispatch response, police professional conduct and increases in crime within the past year.
They also asked residents if they were afraid to report crimes and if they had considered moving because of crime.
"We are trying to reach out and let people know we are here," Reynolds said. "We need to know how we can help. We don't want another child killed in this community."
The Jenkins family itself says it will move soon.
This week, the family plans to leave the Liberty City unit - recently painted with a fresh coat of light green - it has called home since Dec. 26, 2001.
"We knew what was going on over here and we tried to ignore it. That was the wrong thing to do," said David Jenkins, 33. "By ignoring it, it cost us our daughter's life."