Jenkins was the object of a statewide Silver Alert – for missing persons suffering from cognitive impairments. She was found driving her white 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee after refusing to cooperate with a traffic stop. She pulled over about 15 minutes later and was surrounded by at least eight police vehicles. "Law enforcement personnel tirelessly attempted to negotiate with the driver to surrender but were unsuccessful," according to a news release, before they shot her to death.
Victim's Name: Melissa Anne Jenkins
Agency Responsible: North Carolina Highway Patrol, Edgecombe County Sheriff's Office, Martin County Sheriff's Office, Robersonville Police Department
Gender: Female
Age: 60
Race: White
Date of Death: March 31, 2013
County: Edgecombe
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Unreported
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Yes
Armed: Unclear
Weapon: unclear
Geography: Rural