18-year-old Sanderson High grad dies in Raleigh shooting, police say

Police confirmed early Saturday morning that Desmond Myles Jenkins, 18, died as a result of a gunshot wound in the 9400 block of Prince George Lane in Raleigh, according to a news release.

The release said officers responded to reports of a shooting at 11:42 p.m., and upon arriving on the scene, they found a male victim and transported him to WakeMed hospital.

They are investigating the incident as a homicide.

Jenkins was a recent graduate of Sanderson High School and played basketball at the school, according to WRAL. He was headed to Vance-Granville Community College to play basketball.

“Hate waking up to nonsense,” VGCC basketball coach Gregory E. Ackles said in a tweet. “Please pray for the family of Desmond Jenkins and #vgcchoops. He was one of our incoming freshman who was murdered last night in Raleigh. Just in disbelief.”

On Saturday night, friends and family gathered for a vigil in the Sanderson’s parking lot to mourn his life, according to ABC 11, The News & Observer’s media partner.

Sanderson basketball coach Brian Shaffer, in a tweet, said Jenkins was a great person.

“His smile, laugh and spirit would light up a room,” the post read. “I will always remember the pride he had and his love for Sanderson. He truly was a great human being. Thank you Dez for all that you taught me.”

According to a police report, homicide detectives are seeking information regarding a black Chevrolet Avalanche with chrome rims.

The report asks anyone with information that might assist this investigation to call Raleigh CrimeStoppers at 919-834-HELP.

This story was originally published August 10, 2019 at 11:32 AM with the headline "18-year-old Sanderson High grad dies in Raleigh shooting, police say."