TRUMBULL COUNTY Police continue investigation into death of coach's wife

The death is being treated as a homicide.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH and DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Investigators will continue to interview family members of a 39-year-old woman found dead inside her Clearwater Street Northwest home.
The body of Deana Jenkins, wife of the Harding High School girls basketball head coach, was found Thursday evening in a closet in the couple's home.
"We have talked to some people and will continue talking to others," Lt. Joseph Marhulik said.
"Until we know something for sure, we treat all deaths as a homicide, just in case," said Police Chief John Mandopoulos. "That's how we always do it."
Marhulik said an official cause of death has not been released.
An autopsy was performed Friday by Dr. Humphrey Germaniuk, Trumbull County's forensic pathologist. Coroner officials were not available for comment.
"A ruling will not be released until toxicology results are completed," Marhulik added.
No arrests have been made, and no suspects are in custody, Marhulik stated.
From 911 tape
A 911 tape shows police were called by a female neighbor to the home of Deana and David Jenkins at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday. The woman said she was asked by someone from the Jenkins' family to call police because their phones were not working.
Another neighbor called 911 a few minutes later asking for an ambulance and police. When the dispatcher asked for more details, the woman handed the phone to a Jenkins' family member who said Mrs. Jenkins was not breathing and was found in a closet, according to the 911 tape.
The couple lived in the home with their two children.
Christina Campbell, director of the Trumbull County Child Support Enforcement Agency, where Deana Jenkins worked, said Mrs. Jenkins was at work earlier Thursday and didn't indicate any problems.
"Deana was always so positive and upbeat and friendly," Campbell said. "It's been very tough."
Mrs. Jenkins worked for 10 years at the agency as an enforcement specialist.
"She was a really good worker and a good person," she said. "She never had anything bad to say about anybody."
Warren City Schools Superintendent Betty J. English said counselors will be available for any students who need them.
The district dealt with another tragedy earlier this month when Tanara Earnest, an elementary school pupil, was struck and killed by a motorist May 9. Counselors helped pupils cope with that loss.
The Jenkins' daughter, Desirae, is a junior at Harding and was named to the Steel Valley Conference first-team all-stars in basketball this month.
Husband's work
David Jenkins has worked for two seasons as the varsity basketball head coach.
"He did a very good job as an athletic coach and was very involved with the students in his program," English said.
David Jenkins was taken to a local hospital for observation shortly after his wife's death, officials said. He has since been released.
William E. Mullane, Harding principal, said David Jenkins also works at the Rebecca Williams Community Center. He was inducted in 2003 into the Trumbull African American Achievers Hall of Fame.
He is the first black head coach of the varsity girls team. He also is a pastor at New Jerusalem Church here.
sinkovich@vindy.com
denise_dick@vindy.com