SOUTH LOS ANGELES — A Halloween night shooting in South Los Angeles has claimed the life of Jabari Henley, a 34-year-old man identified as the son of Eugene Henley, a former rap executive and alleged gang leader. The incident occurred near the intersection of Figueroa and 69th Street, where Henley was reportedly shot multiple times after approaching a vehicle outside a smoke shop.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with panic spreading as gunfire erupted. The Los Angeles Police Department reported that Henley was found on the sidewalk with severe injuries and was later declared dead at the scene. The suspects responsible for the shooting fled, and law enforcement officials have not yet made any arrests.
Jabari Henley, often referred to as “Baby Ulie,” was the son of Eugene Henley, who gained notoriety for managing successful artists such as Nipsey Hussle. In addition to his music career, Eugene Henley is believed to have previously led the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, a street gang with a long history of violence and criminal activity.
Earlier this year, Eugene Henley was implicated in a sweeping federal indictment consisting of 43 charges, which alleged that he orchestrated a criminal enterprise akin to organized crime in Southern California and Las Vegas. These charges included racketeering, fraud, and conspiracy, highlighting a complex web of illicit activities. He has also been linked to the 2021 murder of an up-and-coming rapper, intensifying scrutiny on his past.
While the motive behind Jabari Henley’s shooting remains unclear, authorities have indicated that his father’s alleged gang connections could be instrumental in unraveling the case. The LAPD is actively investigating the incident and is appealing for any eyewitnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
In the wake of this tragedy, members of the local community have expressed shock and sorrow over the loss. Friends and family remember Jabari Henley as a person with aspirations beyond his family’s tumultuous legacy. The unfolding narrative has sparked conversations about the intersections of crime, hip-hop culture, and the impact of familial connections in communities like South Los Angeles.
As the investigation continues, the families affected by this violence are left grappling with profound grief, while the broader community seeks answers amid a climate of fear surrounding gang-related activities.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the shooting to contact the LAPD or local crime stoppers to aid in their ongoing inquiry.