Eyani Jones, 10, and Janiya Jenkins, 21, Found Dead in Streamwood Townhome as Police Launch Manhunt for Brother, 25-Year-Old Jalonie Jenkins, in Devastating Illinois Double Homicide

STREAMWOOD, ILLINOIS — The quiet residential streets of Streamwood were shattered by a harrowing discovery late Wednesday evening as authorities confirmed the deaths of 10-year-old Eyani Jones and her older sister, 21-year-old Janiya Jenkins, inside their family townhome. The sisters were found lifeless by family acquaintances shortly after a chilling phone call ended with cries for mercy and then, silence.

Authorities have now named Jalonie Jenkins, 25 — the brother of both victims — as a suspect in the case. He is currently the subject of an urgent manhunt, last seen in Bensenville, Illinois, and is considered armed and dangerous.

A Crime That Shook a Community

Streamwood Police were dispatched just before 10 p.m. to the residence located in the 1500 block of McKool Avenue. Officers were responding to a report of two unresponsive individuals. Inside, they encountered a scene that responders described as “disturbing” and “deeply traumatic.”

Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Eyani, a 10-year-old elementary school student, and Janiya, a 21-year-old woman described by friends as “gentle and kind-hearted,” had reportedly suffered fatal injuries before police arrived.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed their identities and began autopsy proceedings to determine the exact cause of death. Early indications point to violent trauma, but authorities have not yet released those findings publicly.

The Last Phone Call

One of the most chilling aspects of this case was shared by a neighbor whose daughter had been on a FaceTime call with one of the victims shortly before the murders occurred.

According to the neighbor — who has requested not to be named publicly — her daughter was speaking to Eyani and Janiya around 7:40 p.m. Wednesday evening. Partway through the call, the atmosphere suddenly shifted.

“My daughter heard yelling — a lot of yelling. Then crying. Then the phone was dropped,” the neighbor recounted. “The last thing she heard clearly was a voice saying, ‘Don’t kill the kids.’ And then it cut off.”

Moments later, two younger children — reportedly also in the home at the time — ran across the street to the neighbor’s house in a state of panic, screaming that their sisters had been hurt.

The neighbor followed one of the children back to the house, where she made the grim discovery. What she saw next will haunt her forever.

“I walked up the stairs, I just see like blood and stuff, you know, everywhere,” she said through tears. “They’re gone. I didn’t see no signs of nobody breathing. I didn’t see no movement, I didn’t hear no, no nothing.”

The Suspect: Jalonie Jenkins

The man police now believe responsible is Jalonie Jenkins, the older brother of both victims. According to neighbors and acquaintances, he had not lived in the residence full-time, but often came and went.

Police say he fled the scene shortly after the incident. He was last seen in Bensenville, a suburb located approximately 25 miles southeast of Streamwood, driving an unidentified vehicle. Authorities have warned the public that he is considered armed and dangerous, and are asking anyone who may encounter him not to approach, but to call 911 immediately.

An Unimaginable Family Tragedy

What’s most difficult to comprehend, neighbors say, is the familial nature of the crime.

“They were siblings. Blood. You expect love and protection from family, not this,” said longtime neighbor and family friend Lisa Mendez.

Eyani was known in the neighborhood for her bright spirit and love of art. She often drew chalk designs on the sidewalk and played outside with other children. Her sister Janiya, only 21, had taken on a maternal role in the family following the death of their mother several years ago, according to those close to the family.

“She raised those kids. After their mom died, Janiya was like a second mother,” said Lisa. “She was always making sure everyone had what they needed.”

Many who knew the family say Jalonie had struggled in recent years, reportedly dealing with mental health challenges and periods of instability. However, there had been no known previous incidents of violence reported at the home.

Police Response and Investigation

The Streamwood Police Department has partnered with the Illinois State Police, U.S. Marshals, and FBI to coordinate a region-wide search for Jalonie Jenkins. Multiple tips have come in, but as of Thursday evening, the suspect remains at large.

Police have not publicly identified a motive, and have refrained from speculating on the events that led up to the double homicide.

“We are actively investigating all leads, and we urge the public to remain vigilant,” said Streamwood Police Chief Ed Valdez during a press conference. “If you know anything, if you’ve seen anything — please come forward.”

The home remains an active crime scene, cordoned off with police tape and under 24-hour surveillance as forensic investigators work inside.

Ripple Effects Through the Community

News of the sisters’ deaths has reverberated across the Streamwood community. Vigils and memorials are already being organized by friends, neighbors, and classmates. The local elementary school attended by Eyani has dispatched grief counselors and social workers to help students process the loss.

A growing makeshift memorial has emerged on the front steps of the family’s townhome — balloons, candles, teddy bears, and handwritten notes.

“Eyani was my best friend,” one note from a young classmate reads. “I will miss you forever.”

Local officials have promised resources for any family or friends of the victims who need mental health support.

Voices of Grief and Rage

The emotional toll is overwhelming. Interviews with family friends and neighbors paint a picture of shock, sorrow — and fury.

“These girls had their whole lives ahead of them,” said Pastor Ray Thomas, who knew the family through a local church. “We demand justice. And we demand answers.”

Some have questioned whether more could have been done to prevent the tragedy. While no restraining orders or prior domestic violence reports involving Jalonie have surfaced publicly, many are asking about warning signs that may have been missed.

“We need better resources for families dealing with mental illness and crisis,” said one advocate attending the vigil. “Because this — this should never happen.”

Moving Forward in Grief

The remaining siblings, including the two children who ran to alert neighbors, are now staying with extended family. Community members are rallying around them with donations, meals, and offers of support.

A GoFundMe page has been created to help cover funeral costs for Janiya and Eyani and support the surviving siblings. As of this writing, it has raised over $18,000 in just 24 hours.

The tragedy has sparked a broader conversation across Illinois and beyond about domestic violence, mental health awareness, and the systems that often fail families in crisis.

“This isn’t just a story about one house in one town,” said Rev. Thomas. “It’s about the fragility of safety in our homes and how quickly it can be shattered.”

Call to Action

If you have any information about Jalonie Jenkins’ whereabouts, or any tips related to this investigation, you are urged to contact the Streamwood Police Department at (630) 736-3700 or your local FBI field office.

You can also submit anonymous tips via Crime Stoppers or the FBI tip line.

In Memory of Eyani and Janiya

As the community struggles to come to terms with this unspeakable loss, one thing is clear: Eyani Jones and Janiya Jenkins were deeply loved, and they will not be forgotten.

Plans are underway for a public vigil and dual memorial service. A life cut short cannot be undone, but those who remain — friends, neighbors, and even strangers — are vowing to carry forward the light these two sisters brought into the world.

🕯️ Rest in peace, Eyani and Janiya.

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