Carter calls for mental health reform

The candidates nephew, arrested on charges of first-degree murder, had sought treatment at a psychiatric facility before the attack

Saying that there is a mental health epidemic in America, the uncle of the man suspected in the slaying of an Auburn High School student has issued a written statement.

Marcus Carter of Kissimmee, Florida is an independent candidate for Congress in a district south of Orlando.

His nephew, Timothy Carter, 28, of Cabery, Illinois, was arrested on charges of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of Jason Jenkins, an 18-year-old killed while working at the Northridge Drive Walmart.

A witness told police she heard Timothy Carter cuss at Jenkins and call him a racial slur after police say Jenkins was stabbed once in the lower back about 6 p.m. Sunday. There was also surveillance footage that police said showed Carter giving “dirty looks” to Black people in the store.

Marcus Carter said he offers his “deepest condolences” to the Jenkins family and he is “committed to stand by them as they seek justice.”

“Despite reports hinting at a racial motive behind this heartbreaking incident, I firmly believe that any use of racial slurs or perceived targeting merely reflects the profound mental health challenges my nephew endured for years,” Marcus Carter said in his statement.

Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd has said hate crime charges are being discussed. But a decision on final charges might be weeks away.

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said Jenkins was a hard-working, church-going young man with a bright future whose life was cut short “for no reason.”

“He was a man of many accomplishments,” McNamara said. “He would set goals. He was loved by all who knew him. His family wants people to know that he was more than just this attack. He was exceptional.”

A statement of fact written by Rockford police said Timothy Carter had sought mental health treatment before the attack. Rosecrance Behavioral Health personnel evaluated Carter and then drove him to UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital which operates a 42bed psychiatric ward.

Police said Carter left the hospital without getting mental health treatment.

Marcus Carter said mental health issues are a core campaign issue for him.

“There are no excuses for Jason's death, and my nephew must be held accountable for his actions,” Marcus Carter said in the statement. “However, I am acutely aware that this tragedy, like the increasing number of mental health-related incidents, could and should have been prevented. It deeply troubles me that our nation has allowed our communities to become so afflicted and capable of such senseless acts.

“With the deepest remorse, I hope that this event, alongside the recent violence in Rockford and across the nation, marks the start of a pivotal moment where we address the root causes of the ongoing mental health epidemic in America and work towards viable solutions. My thoughts and prayers will remain with the Jenkins family.”