Tesha La Sha Jenkins Florence, a Wichita mother, was charged with second-degree murder after fatally shooting her 16-year-old son, Robert Florence, on October 9, 2024. Jenkins called 911, admitting to the shooting, which she claimed was an attempt to scare her son during a heated argument. She alleged that Robert had been involved with drugs and skipping school, and after he retrieved a gun from her backpack, she took it from him and unintentionally fired. Initially charged with lesser offenses, her charges escalated following Robert’s death. The case shocked the community, sparking discussions on parental discipline, firearm safety, and adolescent behavior. Jenkins remains incarcerated, awaiting further legal proceedings, as her tragic actions continue to reverberate.
Jenkins was “emotionally distraught” and
“fell to the ground and rolled around in distress” police say.
After being placed in handcuffs.
She then cried out, “I shot my baby.”
Tesha Florence. Autographed Letter Signed. Commercial #10 (4.125” x 9.5”) envelope. Wichita, KS. February 19, 2025. Content unknown. SEALED.
A Mother's Tragedy: The Story of Tesha Jenkins and Robert Florence
In the quiet city of Wichita, Kansas, a harrowing event unfolded on October 9, 2024, that would forever alter the lives of those involved and send ripples through the community. This is the tragic tale of Tesha Jenkins and her son, Robert Florence.
Background
Details about Tesha Jenkins' early life, family background, education, and employment history remain largely undisclosed. Public records do not provide comprehensive insights into her upbringing or personal associations. What is known is that she resided in an apartment in Wichita with her son, Robert.
Criminal Activity
On the morning of October 9, 2024, a distressing incident occurred at Jenkins' Wichita apartment. At approximately 8 a.m., Jenkins placed a 911 call, confessing that she had shot her son. First responders, including police officers, Sedgwick County EMS, and Wichita Fire Department personnel, arrived promptly at the scene. They discovered 16-year-old Robert Florence with a gunshot wound to the head. He was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
In her statement to the police, Jenkins described her son as a "bad kid" involved in drugs and frequently truant from school. She recounted that on that fateful morning, Robert, instead of attending school, claimed he was going downstairs to a neighbor's apartment to procure marijuana. He then began "pulling down the curtains and tearing up bits of paper and throwing them on the floor," actions she perceived as antagonistic. The situation escalated when Robert retrieved a gun from Jenkins' backpack. Although he did not threaten her with the weapon, Jenkins, in a state of panic, grabbed the firearm from him. She admitted to pointing the gun at Robert and asking if he "wanted to die" before the firearm discharged, fatally wounding him. Jenkins claimed she believed the gun was unloaded and intended only to scare her son.
Legal Proceedings
Following the incident, Jenkins was arrested and initially charged with aggravated battery, aggravated assault domestic violence, and aggravated assault. However, upon Robert's death, the charges were elevated to second-degree murder. Jenkins' bond was set at $1.2 million. During her arrest, she appeared emotionally distraught, reportedly falling to the ground and exclaiming, "I shot my baby." As of this writing, detailed information regarding court proceedings, including trial dates, verdicts, sentencing, or any appeals, has not been made publicly available.
Impact on Victims and Society
The primary victim of this tragic event was 16-year-old Robert Florence, whose life was abruptly ended. The psychological toll on Jenkins is evident, as she grappled with the immediate remorse and anguish of her actions. The Wichita community was left in shock, with many questioning how such a tragedy could occur within their midst. Media coverage highlighted the incident, sparking discussions about parental discipline, firearm safety, and the challenges of addressing adolescent behavioral issues. While no specific legislative changes have been directly attributed to this event, it has undoubtedly contributed to ongoing debates about gun control and mental health support.
Current Status
Tesha Jenkins remains incarcerated in Wichita, awaiting further legal proceedings. Information regarding any rehabilitation efforts or evaluations of her mental health has not been publicly disclosed. Given the nature of the incident, discussions about future risks or threats to society are speculative.
Conclusion
The tragic story of Tesha Jenkins and Robert Florence underscores the profound consequences of unchecked familial discord and the mishandling of firearms. It serves as a somber reminder of the importance of mental health support, effective communication within families, and stringent firearm safety measures. Communities and policymakers must work collaboratively to provide resources and interventions that can prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
Additional Note
Given the notoriety of this case, any autographed items associated with Tesha Jenkins would be considered rare. Collectors of true crime memorabilia might find such items desirable due to their uniqueness and the public interest surrounding the case.
VIDEO: A Kansas Mother Tesha Jenkins Is Charged Of Fatally Shooting Her Son By Accident & Admits To it! | https://youtu.be/BWUG2IjZTdc
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