OCTOBER 4, 2023 – COOK COUNTY, IL – The mother of Kenneka Jenkins, a 19-year-old Chicago woman found dead in a Rosemont, Illinois hotel freezer in 2017, has reached a settlement in her lawsuit against the hotel and other parties. The settlement was reached in August, as per Cook County court records, but the terms have yet to be publicly disclosed.
A settlement has been reached in the lawsuit filed by the mother of Kenneka Jenkins, a 19-year-old Chicago woman who was found dead in a hotel freezer in 2017. The lawsuit was against the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rosemont, its security company, and a restaurant that rented the walk-in freezer.
Jenkins was found dead inside the walk-in freezer at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on September 10, 2017, nearly 24 hours after she disappeared from a ninth-floor room where she had attended a party. The Cook County medical examiner’s office ruled her death an accident, with hypothermia as the cause. Alcohol intoxication and the use of a drug for treating epilepsy and migraines were also “significant contributing factors.”
The lawsuit, filed in December 2018 by Jenkins’ mother, Tereasa Martin, alleged negligence on the part of the defendants. It claimed they didn’t secure the freezer or conduct a proper search following Jenkins’ disappearance. The suit initially sought more than $50 million in damages.
The settlement was reached in August, according to Cook County court records. However, the terms have not been entered on the court docket as Martin’s attorneys have asked that the terms be sealed from the public. This request was initially denied by a judge, but a resubmission has been requested. A status hearing is scheduled for the coming week.
The case has attracted widespread publicity, leading to threats against various individuals involved, including Martin, witnesses, and the defendants. Martin’s attorneys argue that the family’s safety and privacy should take precedence over the need for public filing of the records.
This tragic incident underscores the importance of safety measures and proper response in situations of potential danger. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a similar incident, it’s crucial to seek legal help. Our website offers a free case evaluation for victims of personal injury, premises liability, and wrongful death among others. We encourage you to fill out the contact form at the end of this article for assistance with financial recovery. For more information on similar cases and Illinois personal injury law, you can refer to our previous articles on these topics.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized legal advice regarding your injury case, please consult with a qualified attorney.
