Lubbock County is seeking to withhold information related to the deadly deputy-involved shooting of Erskin Jenkins, a letter from an attorney representing the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office stated following a Public Information Act request by EverythingLubbock.com.
On November 23 around 10:15 p.m., LCSO and Wolfforth Police were called to the 400 block of 14th Street for a disturbance involving an armed person. LCSO said Jenkins, 20, was threatening others in the residence. While evacuating the occupants, LCSO said Jenkins brandished a weapon, and a deputy shot him. Jenkins died at the scene.
EverythingLubbock.com had submitted a records request to obtain body camera footage, a case report and to inquire about when the deputy involved in the shooting returned to duty. The request did not ask for the deputy’s name and accepted legally required redactions.
County cites safety and litigation concerns in withholding records
In response, Lubbock County’s attorney cited several exemptions under the Texas Government Code, including sections that classify certain law enforcement and homeland security information as confidential. The county cited some provisions that make “certain information related to terrorism confidential.” The county argued that releasing the information could interfere with ongoing investigations and compromise law enforcement techniques and procedures.
Specifically, the letter referenced statements made by Erskin’s mother, Sharon Jenkins, including social media posts criticizing the deputies and calling for accountability.
“Lubbock County reasonably believes that there is a substantial threat of physical harm to the officers involved in the shooting of Erskin Charles Jenkins based on public statements made by Sharon Jenkins and representatives of the NAACP,” the letter stated, in part.
The county also cited concern regarding identities, badge numbers and footage of both marked and unmarked police vehicles. The letter also said the county anticipates potential litigation based on statements made by Sharon.
Family and NAACP push against county’s claims
A letter from Sharon’s attorney said the county was seeking to withhold information under exceptions that relied on “speculation, misstatements, non-existent facts and overly broad interpretations of the law.” In a statement to EverythingLubbock.com, the Jenkins family emphasized their shock and concern that the county took a position implying that Sharon supported violence or harm. The family said their requests are rooted in desire to understand what happened to Erskin, not due to “race or retribution.”
“What does Lubbock County have to hide?” the family asked. The Jenkins family said they wanted to learn what happened to Erskin in the hours leading up to his death.
“Our family – like any American family – is entitled to discover the facts,” the Jenkins family stated. The family said it asked officials to conduct a deeper investigation into what happened before the shooting. The Jenkins family said they’re hopeful that Attorney General Ken Paxton will side with disclosure and allow the family and the public to access information gathered about Erskin’s death.
“Erskin was a proud young man who believed that the only thing a man truly has is his good name,” The Jenkins family said. “Erskin can no longer speak and defend his good name, so we intend to do it for him.”
The Lubbock NAACP responded and said none of its members have made physical threats to anyone involved in the case, and the organization does not support or advocate harm.
“With all due respect, the county of Lubbock needs to stop trying to hide the facts of this case and release the information that not only the citizens and Erskin’s mother are entitled, but to reassure mothers that they can send their children here to study and they will be safe,” President Milton Lee said.
Court documents obtained by EverythingLubbock.com stated a grand jury in Lubbock reviewed the available evidence and decided not to request an additional investigation from the Texas Rangers. This means no charges will be pursued and the case is closed.
The Texas Attorney General’s Office will determine if the exceptions cited by Lubbock County are valid under Texas law. Check EverythingLubbock.com for additional updates.
