MIRAMAR, Fla. – Family, friends, and educators came together to pay tribute to the life of 17-year-old Johnnie Henderson, who tragically lost his life in a drive-by shooting in Miramar last week. Henderson was on a date with his girlfriend when a white sedan pulled up next to them, and multiple rounds of gunfire were unleashed, resulting in Henderson’s death and leaving his girlfriend critically injured.
The memorial service took place at JAM Preparatory Academy in El Portal, where Henderson was a junior student with aspirations of graduating early and pursuing college football. Despite attending school in El Portal, he played football at American High School in Miami-Dade. Henderson’s dream was to play football for the University of Miami or Florida State University and establish his own business – a vision that his loved ones hold close to their hearts.
The emotional service was a reflection of Henderson’s impact on those around him, and amidst the tears and heartache, his aunt, Leketrisse Barnes, expressed the family’s shock and desire for justice. Barnes shared a poignant message at the memorial for the individual responsible for the shooting, urging them to turn themselves in and make things right.
Detectives are currently facing a lack of leads or a clear motive for the shooting, leaving the community and Henderson’s family grappling with unanswered questions and overwhelming grief. Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to leave an anonymous tip with Broward Crime Stoppers.
The devastating loss of a young life has left a lasting impact, and as the community comes together to honor Johnnie Henderson’s memory, his loved ones cling to the hope for closure and justice in the wake of this senseless tragedy.