Cottonport man charged with killing uncle

On Thursday, 02/26/09 at about 5 p.m. Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Deputies received a missing person report from the Armand-Thevenot Rd., located just north of Cottonport, La. Family members of the missing man, 75 year old Frank Jenkins of Cottonport said he had not returned from work as usual. Family members were allegedly told by his 29 year old nephew and co-worker, Douglas R. Jenkins, also of Cottonport that His Uncle, “wandered off”. Sheriff’s deputies and local residents searched through the night for the missing man while Sheriff’s Office Investigator’s interviewed witnesses. According to Sheriff Doug Anderson, as information developed in the case the process transitioned from a search and rescue mission to a recovery mission after it was determined that foul play was involved in the disappearance of the 75 year old Jenkins.

Sheriff’s deputies began a dragging operation in Bayou Des Glaises around midnight Friday until 4 a.m. The dragging operation resumed at 9 a.m. with the assistance of the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries. This portion of the Bayou adjoins the property on which the elder Jenkins was working the day of his disappearance. At approximately 11:00 a.m. his body was recovered in approximately four feet of water.

According to Sheriff Anderson, 29 year old, Douglas R. Jenkins, nephew and co-worker of the deceased, admitted to investigators to have been involved in a physical altercation with his uncle moments prior to his death. Douglas R. Jenkins, 455 Delphine Alley, Cottonport, La. was charged with 1st Degree Murder (Victim 65 years of age or older). Jenkins was booked into the Avoyelles Parish D.C. #1. No Bond has been set .

Investigators are awaiting pathology reports and are continuing the investigation with the assistance of the Avoyelles Parish Coroner’s Office.