A violent domestic confrontation
At approximately 10 a.m. on a weekday, Meriden police responded to a call on Sagamore Road regarding a domestic violence incident. The caller reported that a son was violently assaulting his father with a baseball bat.
The first officer on scene, Anthony Offiaeli of the Meriden Police Department, arrived within minutes and immediately shouted commands for the attacker to drop the weapon. Despite the officer's repeated orders, the assailant continued to strike his father, prompting the officer to open fire.
Body‑camera footage released by investigators shows the officer discharging nearly twenty rounds. The volley lasted several seconds before the attacker began to collapse backward, ending the assault.
The father, identified as Robert Jenkins Jr., was pronounced dead at the scene from blunt force head injuries. The attacker, Robert Lee Jenkins III, was transported to a hospital where he was later declared dead at 11:30 p.m.
Investigation underway
The medical examiner ruled both deaths homicides. The investigation into the shooting is being handled by the Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime Squad, in coordination with the Office of Inspector General and the New Haven Judicial District State's Attorney's Office.
Authorities have indicated that the justification for the use of force will be examined under Connecticut law, and the toxicology report for the deceased son remains pending.
State police have taken the lead in reviewing the officer’s actions, while the Office of Inspector General will assess policy compliance. The New Haven Judicial District State's Attorney's Office will determine whether criminal charges are warranted.