A West Milwaukee man admitted to police that he murdered his own mother with a baseball bat after an argument over silver coins and money, striking her repeatedly in the head while she sat defenseless in a chair.

Violent Attack Leaves Mother Dead

Hayward Jenkins, 38, faces first-degree intentional homicide charges after police discovered his mother, 66-year-old Cheryl Jenkins, unresponsive with severe head trauma at her residence near 44th and Mitchell Street on February 24. Officers responded around 8 a.m. to a 911 call reporting that a woman had been struck on the head with a baseball bat by her son. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner pronounced Cheryl Jenkins dead at the scene. A witness who discovered the victim had heard a concerning noise around 4 a.m. but initially thought it came from upstairs neighbors before returning to sleep.

Surveillance Footage Leads to Casino Arrest

West Milwaukee police reviewed surveillance video showing a man in dark clothing running between apartment buildings toward a bus stop on Miller Park Way and West Mitchell Street around 6:07 a.m. The individual’s clothing and facial features matched Hayward Jenkins, according to court documents. Officers later responded to Potawatomi Casino after family members reported Jenkins’s location. Casino security confirmed his presence, and police took him into custody without incident that same day. The criminal complaint reveals Jenkins had arrived at his mother’s residence the night before the attack and was staying in her guest room.

Confession Details Fatal Family Dispute

During questioning, Jenkins told investigators he and his mother argued about silver coins, money, and her failure to listen when he tried expressing himself. Jenkins admitted he became angry and “flipped out,” striking his mother multiple times in the head with a bat while she remained seated. According to court filings, Jenkins explicitly stated he was “wrong for murdering my mother.” The defendant made his initial court appearance on March 1, where a judge found probable cause and set cash bond at $300,000. Jenkins is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on March 10.

Family Violence Tragedy Shakes Community

The case highlights the devastating consequences when family disputes escalate to violence. First-degree intentional homicide carries a mandatory life sentence in Wisconsin, with the possibility of parole determined by the court. The witness who discovered Cheryl Jenkins had to enter through a window after finding the guest bedroom door locked. The swift arrest, aided by family cooperation and surveillance technology, demonstrates effective coordination between law enforcement and the community. Milwaukee County authorities continue investigating whether additional charges may be filed as the case progresses through the judicial system.