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Duntrell Thomas, 30, of Mastic Beach, was indicted for murder and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Wednesday, Feb. 26, in the killing of his domestic partner, Cheray Jenkins.
Thomas flew into a jealous rage after finding the 41-year-old Jenkins inside the living room of their shared Mastic Beach home with another man who lived there on Wednesday, Feb. 12, according to the Suffolk County DA’s office.
Believing the two were having an affair, Thomas began attacking Jenkins as she lay on the couch–punching her repeatedly in the face and head while she begged him to stop, prosecutors alleged.
The assault continued as Thomas dragged Jenkins off the couch and onto the hardwood floor, where he stomped on her face as she lay unconscious, according to investigators. Throughout the attack, he allegedly threatened to shoot the male resident.
When Suffolk County Police arrived, Jenkins was found unresponsive in a pool of her own blood. She was rushed to Long Island Community Hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with intracranial hemorrhage and performed emergency brain surgery. She never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead on Friday, Feb. 14.
Thomas was apprehended at the scene. During his arrest, he allegedly became combative with police officers and spat on one of them.
In court Wednesday, Thomas was indicted for second-degree murder and harassment, and was held at the Suffolk County jail without bail. If convicted, he faces 25 years to life in prison.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for Jenkins, who leaves behind three children, a 19-year-old and two younger kids who have special needs.
“My mother was loved by her friends and family since day one. She always felt like she had to be strong for everybody, help everybody out, and set her pain aside,” her daughter Kara wrote on a GoFundMe campaign.
“Even when she was struggling, she would still give somebody her last few dollars to help the next person out.”
Kara also expressed anger at Thomas, writing, “Alll she wanted to do was love the person she was with—even put his health before hers. And it still wasn’t enough for him.”
The post concluded with a gut-wrenching message to Jenkins: “Hey momma, I just want you to know that I love you, and you didn’t deserve that at all. I’ll make sure people know what a dangerous man he was, and most importantly, I’ll make sure your two kids are safe.”
The campaign had raised over $2,000 as of Thursday, Feb. 27. Those who wish to donate can do so via GoFundMe.
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