![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/2021sandersbio.jpg?itok=FLrorZAv)
Sanders Calls for Nationwide Expansion of NYS Missing Person's Law Following Chicago Teen's Freezer Death
September 18, 2017
![Kenneka Jenkins may have benefited from stricter missing persons laws.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/170916160954-01-chicago-freezer-death-exlarge-169.jpg?itok=wBlCy9FO)
Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway), is calling for the nationwide expansion of Lamont Dottin's Law, following the tragic death of a missing Chicago teen who was found dead inside a hotel freezer.
Kenneka Jenkins, 19, was discovered early Sunday, September 9, after attending a party at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rosemont. The young woman's mother reported her missing later that day. It is still unclear whether she walked into the freezer and the door closed behind her or whether foul play is involved.
If the state of Illinois had legislation similar to Lamont Dottin's Law, which exists in New York, it is possible Jenkins may have been found sooner.
Lamont Dottin's Law was introduced in the senate by Senator Sanders and signed into law by Governor Cuomo last year. It requires police to submit reports of missing adults to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database when the adult has a proven disability, may be in physical danger, is missing after a catastrophe, may have disappeared involuntarily or is missing under circumstances where there is a reasonable concern for his or her safety.
"This legislation should be adopted nationwide because it could potentially save lives and prevent future heartache for the families of loved ones who go missing," Senator Sanders said. "Having police agencies file an electronic report within 24 hours of a person’s disappearance, not only for children and the elderly, but all people, is a common sense safety measure that would positively impact residents across the country."
Share this Article or Press Release
Newsroom
Go to NewsroomDozens of Seniors Seek Employment at Sanders' 55+ Job Fair
December 14, 2017
![Many seniors took advantage of the opportunities available at the job fair.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/w.jpg?itok=x2D71Add)
Sanders Hosts Successful Community Grant Workshop
December 6, 2017
![Arif Ullah, director of programs at the Citizens Committee of New York City, taught the workshop, which was held in Jamaica on Wednesday night.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/546abe13-c19a-4a2d-b3d7-0c4dc5b1fa60.jpg?itok=Evfphqy9)
Sanders Brings MWBE Procurement Fair to SE Queens
November 30, 2017
![Senator Sanders addressed the crowd regarding the importance of having a level playing field so MWBEs could get their fair share of city, state and federal contracts.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/7d25674d-f19b-44c4-a47f-cef94265b264.jpg?itok=8a8x2aEl)
Marine Corp Vet Sanders Hosts Veteran's Day Luncheon
November 11, 2017
![Senator Sanders poses for a photo surrounded by veterans, some of them community leaders, and the staff of the Applebee's at Five Towns, where he held his Annual Veteran's Day luncheon.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/unnqwramed.jpg?itok=5FUzBJxa)