Lubbock County Refuses to Release Key Records in Erskin Jenkins Shooting, Citing Safety and Litigation Fears

LUBBOCK, TX — Tensions continue to rise in the wake of the deputy-involved shooting that claimed the life of 20-year-old Erskin Jenkins, as Lubbock County pushes back on efforts to release public records related to the incident. A recent letter shows that the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office is refusing to turn over body camera footage, case files, and other documentation requested under the Texas Public Information Act.

The shooting occurred the night of November 23, when deputies with LCSO and officers with Wolfforth Police responded to a disturbance involving an armed person in the 400 block of 14th Street. According to LCSO, Jenkins was allegedly threatening people inside the home. As law enforcement began evacuating the residence, they claim Jenkins brandished a weapon, prompting a deputy to shoot. Jenkins died at the scene.

A public records request was submitted for the bodycam footage, the case report, and details on the deputy’s return-to-duty timeline, with no request for the deputy’s name and a willingness to accept legally allowed redactions.

County Claims Threat to Safety, Cites Terrorism Code

In a response letter, an attorney representing Lubbock County cited multiple exemptions under the Texas Government Code to justify withholding the records. Among them were sections that allow confidentiality for certain homeland security and law enforcement operations, including language typically associated with terrorism-related information.

The county claimed that releasing the footage could endanger officers by exposing law enforcement tactics and identifying information, such as badge numbers and patrol vehicle details. The letter referenced public criticism from Erskin’s mother, Sharon Jenkins, and the local NAACP, saying their comments created a “substantial threat of physical harm” to the officers involved.

The county also suggested that potential litigation is likely, citing public statements made by Sharon Jenkins calling for accountability.

Family Responds: “What Does Lubbock County Have to Hide?”

The Jenkins family, through their attorney, fired back—calling the county’s claims baseless and speculative. Sharon Jenkins has publicly maintained that her demands are rooted in a desire for transparency, not vengeance.

“It’s deeply disturbing that the county would twist my calls for justice into threats,” Sharon said. “We’re not asking for names. We just want to know what happened to my son.”

The family emphasized they are not pursuing this case based on race or revenge—but because they believe the public deserves answers. They are joined by the local NAACP in questioning the county’s broad use of exemptions to avoid releasing footage and basic details.

As of now, the deputy involved has not been publicly identified, and it remains unclear whether they have returned to duty.

Community Demands Transparency

The refusal to release key records has sparked renewed debate in Lubbock over police accountability and transparency in cases involving deadly force. The Jenkins family has called on the public to remain vocal and involved, as they continue to pursue answers about the final moments of Erskin’s life.

“This isn’t just about our family,” Sharon said. “This is about whether any family in Lubbock can trust the system to tell the truth when something goes wrong.”