Ex-Frederick Douglass HS Football Player Marciano “Rocky” Jenkins, 20, Killed in New Year’s Day Downtown Lexington Shooting

January 7, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on January 7, 2026

The Lexington, Kentucky, community is mourning the untimely death of beloved native and standout athlete, Marciano Jenkins, aka Rocky.

Marciano “Rocky” Jenkins, 20, lost his life on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026, after being shot during a downtown Lexington incident.

The Lexington Police Departmentthe shooting occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. in the 1000 block of South Broadway, in a shopping center area near Virginia Avenue.

Officers responding to the scene found three men who had been shot in a parking lot near KSBar and Grille and Lexington Clinic. Among them was Marciano Jenkins.

Authorities stated that Jenkins was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the two other victims were transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

One of those victims, identified as 20-year-old Julio Vazquez, later succumbed to his injuries on Friday, January 2, 2026. The third victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Police have not released additional information as the investigation continues.

Furthermore, the untimely deaths of Marciano Jenkins and Julio Vazquez have left a profound void in the lives of their family, friends, and loved ones.

Many of their loved ones are paying tribute to them and extending heartfelt condolences to their families during this difficult time.

A fundraiser has been created by loved ones to help Jenkins’ family ease the financial burden.

Loved ones remember Marciano, aka Rocky, as a bright young man who aspired to become a professional football player.

Marciano Jenkins Was Proud Student-Athlete at Frederick Douglass High School

Late built his identity through football, work ethic, and steady growth as an athlete, culminating in his graduation with the Class of 2026.

Beginning his high school career with Frederick Douglass Varsity Football, he developed from a young player learning the game into a dependable defensive lineman who understood responsibility and team commitment.

Wearing jersey #99, he played primarily at defensive end and defensive tackle.

Marciano treated the weight room as seriously as game day, pushing himself to improve his numbers — a 230-lb bench, 345-lb squat, 295-lb deadlift, and 240-lb clean.

His motto, “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing,” reflected how he practiced, how he showed up for teammates, and how he competed every week.

Throughout his high school journey, Marciano Jenkins won several honorable titles and led his team to several championships.

Beyond football, Rocky also excelled in baseball and basketball and won numerous titles for his remarkable athletic journey.

Marciano Jenkins’ contribution to the Lexington community as an amazing athlete and his kind nature will always be remembered. He is survived by his mother, Courtney Fields, three younger siblings, and the entire family.

His family will soon provide details about Jenkins’ funeral and memorial services.

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Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.

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