A Postman Dies: Random violence claims carrier

Tulsa Times ^ | 12/15/01 | World Editorial Writers

[JohnD9207]

Random violence claims carrier

Robert Jenkins, husband and father, did not walk his Tulsa mail route Wednesday thinking that it would be his day to die.

He left for his job, as most of us do, expecting to work his shift and then return home to those he held dear.

Things did not work out that way for Jenkins, 30, the victim of an apparent random act of violence. He will never go home and his 18 month old daughter will not grow up with her father.

The nine-year postal veteran took a bullet in the back. Witnesses claim the bullet came from the gun of Jason Weed, 27. Weed was arrested a few minutes later near the Brookside district, carrying a loaded gun and acting erratically.

Weed was booked into the Tulsa Jail on a first-degree murder complaint.

By all accounts Jenkins was a dedicated worker in a job that can be thankless and physically demanding.

"Everyone liked him," said John Harrison, president of the Tulsa chapter of the National Letter Carriers Association. "He was a good employee."

Around Oklahoma, flags at post offices were at half staff and a fund for the family was set up at the Tulsa Postal Federal Credit Union.

Letter carriers fight bad weather, snarling dogs, heavy traffic and other hazzards on a day-in, day-out basis. And while a postal handler died this fall from inhalation anthrax, no route carrier had been a homicide victim in a couple of years.

The last homicides included a letter carrier who was shot at a Los Angeles Jewish community center. Another was murdered in a carjacking in rural Mississippi. In fiscal 2000, postal inspectors responded to 1,037 postal related assults and credible threats. Their investigations led to 441 arrests.

"The thought of delivering mail and encountering what happened (to Jenkins) Couldn't possibly be anticipated by any letter carrier," one postal supervisor said.

Indeed it could not. In this year, when so much violence has rained down on America, the death of Robert Jenkins marks yet another instance of man's inhumanity to man.

[JohnD9207]

Robert was my Son (in law). I say son because I loved him and he made an impact on my life that will last as long as I draw breath. I posted this because I wanted folks to stop and hug their kids because it can all change in a matter of seconds. A drugged up idiot reached in and destroyed my little family. Robert was my hero (rare for someone to have a hero younger than themselves). The man was a great husband, father, and son. Never hurt a soul in his life.

If you can think of the Robert Jenkins family fund at the Tulsa Postal Federal Credit Union, it would go along way to help my daughter with everyday expenses until the benefits kick in (3 months approximately). They were a young family and Robert was doing everything possible to provide for them. Sorry if this offends some...but my instinct is to keep them safe. At the very least let your postman know you appreciate him.

Thank You......John

[Atticus]

I am so sorry to hear about the senseless killing of your son in law. Robert and his family have my prayers. I cannot even imagine the pain your family is feeling.

[JohnD9207]

Thank's...did I forget to say that the Defender is going for the insanity defense. This just prolongs the anguish.

[Friedrich Hayek]

Do you have any more information on how we might get in touch with the Tulsa Postal Federal Credit Union? An address, etc.?

[JohnD9207]

Jenkins Family Fund Tulsa Postal Federal Credit Union 1419 S. Denver Ave Tulsa, Ok 74119 Also my daughter just called, the post office has just decided to rename the station where he worked. It will be known as the:

Robert Jenkins Memorial Post Office Thank you.............John

[HiJinx]

Here's the address and phone:

Tulsa Postal Federal CU
1419 S Denver Ave.
Tulsa, OK. 74119
(918) 582-1965

This was very spooky when I first heard about it last week. My son (also a Jenkins) lives south of there at 88th and Delaware...

[HiJinx]

Beat me by a minute!
Our prayers are with your daughter, her family, and yours. May God grant you Peace and his Blessings, may you find a way survive this tragedy...

Another Jenkins...

[JohnD9207]

Thanks....My friend. I am at a loss to know how to have a christmas for my grandbaby. While its hard, We will get through it. God Bless............John

[mafree]

I'm so sorry about this- may your son in law rest in peace and may God comfort and care for the rest of you, especially that little girl who lost her daddy. Glad they're naming the post office after him- that's real nice.

Also, only a fool would take offense with your post- we FReepers are here to help each other and those who don't care usually have enough class to go find a post to their liking.

[spectre]

WOW.

Please accept my condolences. This must be a terrible time for you. I cannot imagine what it is like for your daughter.

God bless your family.

Spectre + Spectre's wife

[caitlynsmom]

Robert Jenkins was not only my husband but my best friend. Today would have been our 5 month anniversary. He was a good man who loved to fish, work with tools and play with his daughter. He was a quiet man who did his job with a smile on his face, never complaining about the bad weather or rude customers. He is dearly missed by all that loved him. His daughter will never get to know what a special person he was or how hard he worked to make sure that she was taken care of. My wish is that all of you who read this will take the time to wave and smile next time you see your postman. They have alot to put up with while doing there jobs. And the very sad and tragic thing about this is that there will be no death penalty for this monster. My family and I will get to work the rest of our lives to pay taxes so he can live out the days of his life. Many people have told me that prison is not exactly a dream life but it sure beats the cold metal blue box my love is now lying in.

[HiJinx]

John...I'm Joe. All you can do for that little girl is love her like there is no tomorrow. I think she'll surprise you. It sounds like she will learn to know her Daddy through you and your daughter, her Mom.

I think if you take one day at a time (I know, it's trite, but it's true) she will help you through this terrible time. As I said earlier, my family's prayers are with you.

Ping to Snow Bunny, have you seen this one? Maybe some of our wonderful vets in the USO Canteen can drop John a line or a prayer and help ease his hurt...

[Friedrich Hayek]

Thanks for the info.

It's 16 years now since my brother was killed, and though time has dulled the pain, it never completely fades away.

May Christmas offer you some small degree of Peace this year.

[MissAmericanPie]

Your family is in my prayers.

[JohnD9207]

Thank you for your prayer's. Please try and remember us during the holiday seasom.

Condider a small gift to the beforementioned fund. It will go along to helping us during the upcomming trial. Besides my daughter might lose her house, just adding insult to injury.......................John

[Texasforever]

Robert was my Son (in law). I say son because I loved him and he made an impact on my life that will last as long as I

I too have a son(in law) that I consider my son and would feel the same. My condolences to you and your family.

[Tawiskaro]

I am awfully sorry for your family's loss. So sad.

[JohnD9207]

Read the letter (post) from my daughter. I just want to take her pain away (but that is not possible). God I miss that Man so much....................................! John

[jmp702]

I'm so sorry about this- may your son in law rest in peace and may God comfort and care for the rest of you, especially that little girl who lost her daddy. Glad they're naming the post office after him- that's real nice.

Also, only a fool would take offense with your post- we FReepers are here to help each other and those who don't care usually have enough class to go find a post to their liking.

Well said and I would like to echo those thoughts to you John. May your son (in-law) find peace and comfort in the arms of God.

[Tawiskaro]

I posted to your father before I read your message. I wish I could whip up some comforting words. Hug that little girl.