Chicago Teen Was Found Dead in Freezer in 2017, Mom Reaches Settlement with Hotel, Other Parties: Report
Kenneka Jenkins, 19, was found dead in a freezer at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel in 2017
Kenneka Martin/Facebook
Kenneka Jenkins photographed smilingA woman has reached a settlement in a lawsuit against a hotel where her teenage daughter was found dead in a freezer in 2017, multiple outlets report. Two other parties were also involved in the settlement.
The lawsuit pertains to the 2017 death of Kenneka Jenkins, whose body was found in a walk-in-freezer at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont, Il., per Fox 32 Chicago, CBS Chicago and the Associated Press.
In security footage shared by Fox 32 Chicago, Jenkins is seen stumbling as she walks in the vicinity of the walk-in freezer in an otherwise empty kitchen.
While her friends and family initially raised concerns about potential foul play, the Cook County medical examiner’s office ruled the death an accident and said she died from hypothermia, according to the Associated Press.
The examiners also said alcohol intoxication along with medication used for treating epilepsy and migraines were heavy catalysts in her death, according to the Associated Press.
The 19-year-old Chicago teen was attending a party at the hotel in September 2017 when she went missing; her body was found almost 24 hours later, the Associated Press says. The lawsuit alleged that the hotel was negligent in not keeping the freezer secure and for not searching for her after her family reported her disappearance, according to the news outlets.
Jenkins’ mother Tereasa Martin filed a lawsuit against the hotel, its security firm and the restaurant that was responsible for leasing the freezer Jenkins was found in, according to the Associated Press and FOX 32 Chicago.
Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.
The lawsuit was initially filed for $50 million in damages; further details about the agreement have not been disclosed.
The parties agreed on the settlement in August, but the details are not available on the court docket because Martin has requested the records be sealed owing to privacy and safety concerns, according to CBS Chicago.
Related: Illinois Police Investigating 'Confusing' Facebook Video After Teen Is Found Dead in Hotel Freezer
A judge denied the request and ordered Martin’s lawyer to submit the request again, and a hearing has been scheduled for next week, the Associated Press reports, citing the Chicago Tribune.
According to CBS Chicago, the defendants in the case are also in agreement that the records remain sealed.
For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on People.
