Investigators are examining whether a 2004 homicide conviction involving the suspect’s brother played a role in the activist’s 2025 death.
MIAMI, Fla. — The arrest of a man accused of killing Miami activist Dwight C. Wells has brought new scrutiny to a violent history dating back more than two decades, as investigators examine whether the death of the suspect’s brother could have provided a motive for the 2025 shooting.
Jamar Lionel Jenkins, 39, was arrested Wednesday and charged with second-degree murder with a weapon in Wells’ death. Arrest records cited by local news organizations say Wells had been convicted in the 2004 killing of Jenkins’ brother, Anthony Jenkins. Authorities are investigating that history as a possible motive, but the allegation has not been proved in court.
According to arrest records, a member of the Jenkins family told investigators that several relatives remained upset with Wells over Anthony Jenkins’ death. Records show Wells was sentenced to 10 years in prison in that case and was released on Oct. 1, 2013. When detectives interviewed Jamar Jenkins in February, he denied knowing that Wells had been convicted in his brother’s killing, according to the investigative records.
The history adds a complicated layer to Wells’ later public role in Miami. Wells, 40, became known in Liberty City as a businessman, youth advocate and organizer involved in anti-violence efforts. He helped lead the Bikes Up, Guns Down movement, which sought to steer young people away from firearms and toward bicycling and community activity. Police officials said he also worked with law enforcement on efforts to reduce violence and improve community relationships.
Wells was killed on Oct. 10, 2025, while playing dominoes outside his restaurant, Winning and Won Turkey Legs, on Northwest 17th Avenue. Police said a masked gunman wearing dark clothing approached Wells, shot him and fled on foot. Wells was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he died. The killing stunned relatives and supporters who knew him for his later community work.
For more than a year, Wells’ family kept attention on the unsolved homicide. Relatives held gatherings and public events, asked for information and continued outreach connected to his anti-violence work. Days before the arrest was announced, family members marked the first anniversary of Wells’ death and spoke publicly about maintaining his legacy even as they waited for answers in the investigation.
Police announced a major break in the case after U.S. Marshals took Jenkins into custody. Investigators said they used call records, information from searches of his vehicle and home, iCloud records, cellular activity, geolocation data and witness accounts during the investigation. Authorities also said five cartridge casings recovered from the scene were linked through ballistic evidence to a separate case involving Jenkins.
Wells’ mother, Mary Brown, publicly celebrated the arrest after spending the previous year calling for progress in the investigation. Police Chief Edwin Lopez said the case carried particular importance because Wells had worked with officers and neighborhood residents on violence prevention. The arrest, however, represents the beginning of the court process rather than a finding of guilt.
The Wells family has also continued plans to honor his community work. A celebration of his life is scheduled for Oct. 25 at Charles Hadley Park, where relatives and supporters have said they intend to continue programs associated with his legacy. Family members have also discussed efforts to reopen his restaurant.
Jenkins was denied bond after his arrest and remained in custody as the criminal case moved forward. Authorities have described the old family connection as part of their investigation into motive, but prosecutors will have to establish the evidence supporting the murder charge in court. No conviction has been entered against Jenkins in Wells’ death.
Author note: Last updated October 16, 2026.