Los Angeles, California – A 68-year-old man who was serving time for the 1985 murder of an off-duty Los Angeles Police Department detective was found dead in his cell at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center on Monday. Officials are investigating the death of Daniel Jenkins as a suicide, after he was discovered unresponsive in his cell. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has yet to determine the official cause of death.
Jenkins was convicted in 1988 for the murder of Detective Thomas C. Williams, who was shot outside Faith Baptist Church School in Canoga Park while picking up his 6-year-old son from daycare. Jenkins, along with two other men, planned Williams’ murder in retaliation for testifying against Jenkins in a robbery case. His accomplices received life sentences without the possibility of parole, as well as additional years.
Having served 13 years with the LAPD, Williams worked as a detective in the North Hollywood Division. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor for his bravery in protecting his son during the fatal shooting. Jenkins’ death comes as a tragic end to a case that has spanned decades, shedding light on the consequences of violence in the criminal justice system.
Despite the passage of time, the impact of Williams’ murder remains significant within the law enforcement community. The case serves as a reminder of the dangers that police officers face in the line of duty, as well as the enduring pain experienced by the families of those killed in the line of duty. Jenkins’ death marks the end of a chapter in this tragic story, but the memory of Detective Williams lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.
As investigations into Jenkins’ death continue, authorities will work to determine the circumstances surrounding his passing. The legacy of Detective Thomas C. Williams endures as a testament to his dedication and sacrifice in service to the Los Angeles community. The impact of his loss is felt deeply by those who knew him, as they reflect on the lasting impact of his life and work in the LAPD.