Miramar, Florida – Friends, family, and teachers gathered to pay tribute to 17-year-old Johnnie Henderson, who was tragically shot and killed in a drive-by shooting last week. The incident occurred while Henderson was on a date with his girlfriend on the evening of January 28. A white sedan pulled up beside them on University Drive, and multiple rounds of gunfire were reported by witnesses. Henderson lost his life, while his girlfriend sustained critical injuries.
The memorial service took place at JAM Preparatory Academy in El Portal, where Henderson was a junior student preparing to graduate early. He had dreams of pursuing college football and had aspirations of playing for the University of Miami or Florida State University. Although attending the academy in El Portal, Henderson played football at American High School in Miami-Dade, making a lasting impact on those around him.
Pastor Lorenzo Johnson, the academy’s owner, described Henderson as a hardworking and dedicated student committed to achieving his dreams. Henderson’s friends and teachers reflected on his life at the emotional service, with some attendees visibly struggling to contain their emotions.
Henderson’s aunt, Leketrisse Barnes, expressed the family’s shock and grief, hoping for justice to be served. The family’s pain was palpable as Barnes revealed the profound impact Henderson’s untimely death had on them, expressing their desperate need for closure. Detectives have few leads on the shooter(s) or a motive, leaving the family and community reeling with unanswered questions.
Barnes also issued a plea to the responsible party, urging them to understand the devastation they caused and appealing for them to come forward and make amends. She emphasized the family’s suffering and their unwavering hope for the responsible party to take accountability for their actions. As of now, the authorities have no further information on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
To aid the investigation, individuals with information on the shooting were encouraged to provide anonymous tips to Broward Crime Stoppers. The family and community remain hopeful that those responsible will be brought to justice and are calling for anyone with information to come forward.