Jessica Henderson died after investigators say a former boyfriend shot her hours after posting bond.
DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines police are investigating a fatal domestic violence shooting after a woman who had reported threats from a former boyfriend died Saturday from injuries suffered Friday afternoon downtown.
The victim, 40-year-old Jessica Nicole Henderson, had ended a relationship with Abdul Jabbar Jackson, 50, in the weeks before the shooting, police said. Investigators said Jackson had been released from the Polk County Jail just over six hours before he shot Henderson near Southwest Ninth and Tuttle streets.
The case began with reports of threatening communication, police said. Henderson contacted Des Moines police less than two weeks before the shooting and reported calls and text messages from Jackson. Investigators said the messages included threats to shoot her. Police then requested arrest warrants for two first-degree harassment charges.
The concern grew the day after Henderson’s report, when a GPS tracking device was found on her vehicle and given to detectives. Police identified Jackson as a suspect in that part of the investigation. He was located May 6, arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail.
Jackson posted bond Friday afternoon, police said. Later that day, investigators said, he shot Henderson and her dog with a handgun, then fired at one of Henderson’s friends. Police said Jackson then shot himself. Officers and rescue crews performed life-saving measures at the scene, where Jackson was pronounced dead.
Henderson died Saturday morning. Police said two handguns were recovered at the scene. Investigators have not said whether either firearm was tied to the earlier threats. They also have not released details about the bond amount or any restrictions that may have been attached to Jackson’s release.
In a statement, Henderson’s family said she was known for compassion, loyalty and a large circle of people who loved her. “Every life she touched was changed for the better,” the family said. They described her as a proud stepmother, devoted aunt and loving dog owner whose life was taken too soon.
The family said Henderson’s death showed the damage domestic violence can cause across families and communities. Des Moines police said detectives continue to examine the timeline, including the earlier harassment case, the tracking device, the jail release and the fatal shooting.
As of Tuesday, the investigation remained open. Police said no additional arrests had been announced, and the next public updates are expected to come from Des Moines investigators.
Author note: Last updated May 12, 2026.