A shooting in South Los Angeles has left a community in shock after the death of a 34-year-old man, identified as Jabari Henley, the son of notable music producer and alleged gang leader Eugene Henley Jr. The incident occurred late Friday night outside a smoke shop in the Vermont-Slauson area, raising concerns about violence in the neighborhood.
Los Angeles Police Department officials responded to reports of the shooting around 11:11 p.m. in the 6900 block of South Figueroa Street, located just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway. Eyewitness accounts suggest that Henley was approaching a vehicle when an unknown assailant fired at him. Emergency responders declared him dead at the scene.
Initial details surrounding the motivation for the attack remain unclear, and no suspects have yet been identified. While police deferred confirmation regarding Henley’s identity, the Los Angeles County Office of the Medical Examiner later confirmed him as the victim. Following the news of his death, tributes began pouring in on social media platforms as friends and family expressed their sorrow.
Eugene Henley, who faces serious legal challenges, is currently in custody, awaiting trial on federal charges that include racketeering, fraud, extortion, and embezzlement. The 58-year-old has also been connected to a high-profile homicide involving a rising artist in Las Vegas in 2021. He has pleaded not guilty to these allegations and has publicly denied any wrongdoing.
In a recent post on Instagram, Eugene Henley remarked on the lack of substantive evidence against him, expressing frustration over media portrayals that he believes are intended to damage his reputation. Federal prosecutors allege that he is a leader of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips and has been at the helm of a sprawling organization engaged in various criminal enterprises, including murder and trafficking.
Eugene Henley’s influence extends beyond the criminal realm; he founded Uneek Music, a label that played a significant role in the career of the late rapper Nipsey Hussle. Hussle was murdered in 2019, also in South Los Angeles, drawing attention to the persistent issues of violence and crime in the area.
Among Jabari Henley’s surviving relatives is his brother, Daiyan Henley, who currently plays as a linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers. Family ties within the Henley lineage underscore the enduring legacy and impact of their names.
The tragic events surrounding Jabari Henley’s death serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many in South Los Angeles. A status conference regarding Eugene Henley’s legal case is scheduled for Wednesday at the U.S. Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles, as the community continues to grapple with the fallout from this incident.