Illinois man who stabbed Walmart employee to death to remain in jail pending trial

An Illinois man accused of killing a Rockford Walmart employee at the store Sunday night appeared for a pretrial hearing Wednesday afternoon at the Winnebago County Criminal Justice Center.

Timothy Carter, 28, of Cabery, appeared wearing a red Winnebago County Jail jumpsuit and handcuffs. He was represented by public defender Nick Zimmerman.

At the hearing, Judge Scott Paccagnini granted the Winnebago County State’s Attorney's motion to deny Carter's pretrial release. Carter will remain in jail on charges of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of Jason Jenkins, 18, of Rockford. His next court appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. April 9.

A couple dozen of Jenkins' family members, friends and supporters attended the hearing. The Rev. K. Edward Copeland of New Zion Baptist Church of Rockford, was among them.

Copeland said he wanted to show support for Jenkins' family and assure family members that Carter would not be released from jail pending trial.

"People who are a danger to the community shouldn't be let out," Copeland said. "The issue is 'Are they a danger?'"

Carter is accused of fatally stabbing Jenkins about 6 p.m. Sunday at the Northridge Drive Walmart store where he worked. Jenkins was taken to a local hospital where he died less than two hours later.

Rockford police arrested Carter at the scene on charges of first-degree murder.

Chris Green is a Rockford Register Star general assignment reporter. He can be reached at 815-987-1241, via email at cgreen@rrstar.com and Twitter @chrisfgreen.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Suspect from fatal Walmart stabbing to remain in jail pending trial