Dorval Jenkins

Dorval Jenkins, a 19-year-old Black man known to friends and family as "ManMan," is remembered for his cheerful and friendly nature. Those who loved him recall his great personality, his beautiful smile, and his love of joking around. Described as humble and generous, he was the kind of person who would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. Dorval, who had no children, also had a passion for playing basketball. His life was rooted in his Chicago community, where he lived with his family.

On the night of Tuesday, August 19, 2014, Dorval was outside with friends in his own neighborhood of South Deering, an area on Chicago's South Side also known as Jeffery Manor. At approximately 10:15 p.m., he was standing on the sidewalk in the 9900 block of South Calhoun Avenue, just a couple of blocks from his home on the 9700 block of the same street. He was with two companions, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl.

The evening was shattered by the sound of gunfire. According to police reports, an unknown individual started shooting in their direction from down the block. The three teenagers heard the shots and suddenly felt pain as they realized they had all been hit. The attack was swift and unexpected, turning a casual moment on a summer night into a scene of violence and tragedy.

Dorval suffered multiple gunshot wounds, the most severe of the three victims. His friends were also injured; the 18-year-old was shot in the arm, and the 17-year-old was shot in the leg. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and rushed Dorval to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn for emergency treatment. His two injured friends were transported to Advocate Trinity Hospital, where their conditions were stabilized.

Despite the efforts of medical staff, Dorval Jenkins’ injuries were too severe. He was pronounced dead at the hospital at 11:19 p.m., just over an hour after the shooting. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed his death was a homicide caused by the multiple gunshot wounds he sustained.

The investigation into Dorval's murder was handled by the Chicago Police Department's Area South detectives. In the immediate aftermath, a police spokesperson stated that all three victims had gang affiliations and that the investigation was exploring whether the shooting was gang-related. However, no specific motive was ever officially confirmed, and no suspect information was released to the public.

Years have passed since Dorval Jenkins was killed, and his case remains unsolved. No arrests have been made, and no one has been charged in connection with the shooting that took his life and injured his two friends. The case grew cold, leaving his family and community with unanswered questions and the enduring pain of his loss. Loved ones continue to leave messages on online memorial pages, remembering him with phrases like "NEVER FORGOTTEN" and "Ball In Paradise," a testament to the lasting impact he made in his short life. As of the latest available information, the investigation into his homicide remains open but inactive.