Tragedy struck the bustling streets of Brooklyn as Richard Henderson, a beloved family man and crossing guard, was fatally shot while attempting to break up a subway altercation. The city is left reeling from the loss of a true hero, while the police launch a relentless manhunt for the callous gunman responsible.
Henderson’s family, devastated by the unimaginable loss, struggles to come to terms with the void left in their lives. Jaquetta Dockery, his grieving mother-in-law, tearfully expressed her anguish, stating, “He took this from me. He was everything. He was the man.” Earl Henderson, one of Richard’s older brothers, echoed the sentiment, acknowledging that closure may forever elude them. “We’re still going to be grieving for the rest of our lives with this,” he said.
Described as having a heart of gold, Richard Henderson was a doting father of three and a cherished grandfather of two. His family fondly remembers him as a selfless individual who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. “He would take the shirt off his back and give it to you right now if he saw you walking down the block and you were cold,” shared his brother Jermaine Henderson.
The tragic incident unfolded on a Sunday evening, following a friendly gathering to watch a football game with a close friend. As Henderson rode the 3 train through Crown Heights, he witnessed a heated argument between two passengers over the volume of music being played. Ever the peacemaker, he bravely intervened, seeking to diffuse the tension. However, the situation quickly escalated when one of the passengers brandished a firearm, firing multiple shots that struck Henderson in the back and shoulder. The assailant fled the scene, leaving behind a shattered community and a family consumed by grief.
Dockery, still grappling with the shock of losing her son-in-law, expressed her desire for justice. “It’s very unfair. I just want to see this man get caught because it can happen again,” she pleaded.
The impact of Richard Henderson’s untimely demise extends beyond his immediate family. Students at Avenues the World School in Chelsea, where he served as a crossing guard, are also mourning the loss of their beloved guardian. Henderson’s infectious smile, unwavering encouragement, and commitment to their safety endeared him to the students. Ace Meltzer, one of the students, shared his disbelief, saying, “He remembered my name, and he remembered my brother’s name even though he graduated two years ago. It’s very jarring to know he is not going to be here tomorrow.”
Richard Henderson’s tragic fate serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in our society. A man who dedicated his life to defending those in need met his untimely end while doing what he believed was right. As the community mourns his loss, the NYPD is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. The search for the gunman continues, driven by the determination to prevent such senseless violence from recurring.
In the wake of this devastating incident, the memory of Richard Henderson will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew him. His selflessness, bravery, and unwavering commitment to others will serve as a beacon of light in a world that often feels consumed by darkness.
1 Response
This is absolutely outrageous and heartbreaking! How can someone stoop so low as to take the life of an innocent and selfless individual like Richard Henderson? He was just doing his job, trying to keep the community safe, and he paid the ultimate price for it. It’s sickening to think that our society has become so violent and callous that even crossing guards are not safe anymore.
Richard Henderson was not just a crossing guard, he was a beloved family man. His loved ones are now left