Protesters Demand Answers From Rosemont Police In Hotel Freezer Death
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Dozens of protesters on Wednesday demanded Rosemont police provide answers in the mysterious death of a 19-year-old woman found dead in a walk-in freezer at the Crowne Plaza Hotel over the weekend.
Village authorities say they are working around the clock and will show portions of hotel surveillance video, privately, to the mother of Kenneka Jenkins and family members that may shed light on the case.
According to village spokesperson Gary Mack, there are 30 hours of tape to look through. The video will not be released to the public yet because police do not want to compromise the investigation.
An autopsy on Sunday was inconclusive, pending further studies, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.
RELATED: Woman Found Dead In Walk-In Freezer At Rosemont Hotel
"I think everyone wants to know what happened," Rosemont Mayor Bradley Stephens said.
Police even issued a news release Wednesday evening, amid rumors and speculation about the case on social media.
"It's a horrible tragedy no matter which way it ends up," Stephens said.
Federal agencies are assisting the police department, especially after the case took on a life of its own on the Internet.
"Certain arms of FBI, specialty agencies are helping access records and internet that all takes time," Stephens said.
Rosemont police are still trying to determine how Kenneka ended up in the walk-in freezer after a party with friends on the hotel's 9th floor.
"It's kind of unfortunate that all of that stuff is convoluting the investigation. Those leads have to be followed up on," Stephens said.
But community activists who are pressing police for answers say social media is helping the case.
"I'm proud that it has blown up to this proportion and that more people are aware," said Jedidiah Brown, a community activist.
"Situations like these will go swept under the rug. It's important we apply this type of pressure," said William Calloway, community activist.
Management at the Crowne Plaza Hotel have not answered CBS 2's requests for comment. Their parent company, IHG Corporate sent CBS 2 a statement saying the hotel owner and its staff are fully cooperating with local authorities.
