Son of LA Crips leader and music executive Eugene ‘Big U’ Henley shot dead on Halloween

The son of Eugene ‘Big U’ Henley Jr., a well-known Los Angeles Crips leader and influential music executive, was fatally shot on Halloween night. Jabari “Baby Uiie” Henley, aged 34, was killed outside a smoke shop located at the intersection of 69th Street and Figueroa Street in South Los Angeles. According to reports from TMZ and the Los Angeles Police Department, Jabari approached a vehicle around 11 p.m. when an unidentified gunman or possibly multiple assailants opened fire. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A tarp was placed over his body as police continued to investigate the shooting. Jabari Henley was not only the son of Eugene Henley Jr., the former head of the Rollin’ 60’s Neighborhood Crips, but also the older brother of Daiyan Henley, a linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers. His father, known in the music industry as “Big U,” has been a controversial figure, lauded by some as a godfather of rap, but also notorious for his criminal ties. In fact, earlier in the year, Eugene Henley Jr. surrendered himself to federal authorities amid allegations of running a Mafia-like criminal organization. This enterprise was accused of engaging in murder, human trafficking, robbery, and extortion within Los Angeles. The federal indictment from March named Henley Jr. and 18 other alleged members of the Rollin’ 60s street gang as part of a broad racketeering case filed by the United States Attorney’s Office. The gang has long been associated with violent street crime and drug trafficking in South LA. Jabari’s death marks another tragic chapter in the ongoing struggles linked to gang violence in the region, highlighting the persistent challenges law enforcement faces in curtailing such activity. The investigation into Jabari Henley’s killing remains active, with the suspect or suspects still at large as of Sunday following the shooting. Details regarding possible motives or connections to the broader gang conflicts have not been disclosed. The incident has elicited responses from local communities grappling with the impact of gang-related violence and the legacy of figures like Eugene Henley Jr., whose dual roles in criminal leadership and the music industry represent a complex intersection of culture and crime. This shooting also shines a light on the broader issues of violence in South Los Angeles, an area historically affected by gang rivalries and systemic socio-economic challenges. The Rollin’ 60’s Neighborhood Crips remain a significant presence, despite years of law enforcement efforts aimed at dismantling their operations. Jabari’s death not only underscores the human cost of ongoing gang conflicts but also raises questions about the future stability and safety of neighborhoods caught in the crossfire. Community leaders and law enforcement alike continue to seek solutions, balancing enforcement with outreach to prevent further loss of life.