A man identified as Robert Jenkins III, 38, fatally beat his father, Robert Jenkins Jr., 69, with a baseball bat outside their Meriden, Connecticut, home on Sunday morning, according to preliminary reports and police bodycam footage.
Officer Anthony Offiaeli, the first responder, repeatedly ordered Jenkins III to drop the weapon as he continued to strike his motionless father on the front lawn. Jenkins III did not comply, prompting Officer Offiaeli to discharge his firearm multiple times, striking Jenkins III.
Jenkins III died later that night from multiple gunshot wounds, and his death has been ruled a homicide. His father died from blunt force head injuries, also ruled a homicide.
Neighbors described the family as outwardly respectful and social, though one neighbor indicated that Jenkins III had a history of violent outbursts. Another neighbor stated, "He needed help," and commented that Jenkins III must have "cracked to continue beating when the police were telling him to stop."
Connecticut state police are investigating the incident. It is standard procedure in Connecticut for officers involved in fatal shootings to be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation.