ST. LOUIS, MO (June 13, 2025) — A St. Louis jury found Tekeia Henderson, 49, guilty Friday of first-degree murder and armed criminal action for fatally shooting his 31-year-old son, Demarko Henderson, on April 30, 2024, in the 5100 block of Lexington Avenue in the City's Kingsway West neighborhood. The jury deliberated for approximately 5 hours.



When officers arrived, they found Demarko shot twice, at close range, in the head and chest. Tekeia was arrested outside the apartment and claimed to police that his son had been shot while the two were struggling over a gun. Forensic evidence collected from the scene was not consistent with this account. 

Witness testimony from Tekeia Henderson’s live-in girlfriend and an 11-year-old relative of the victim, both present during the incident, revealed that the confrontation began when Demarko returned home with the child and accidentally woke his father. Tekeia became agitated and confronted the 11-year-old, who was gathering clothes from a closet in the bedroom where Tekeia was sleeping. When Demarko intervened to protect the child, the situation escalated into a physical altercation that ended with Tekeia fatally shooting his son. After the shooting, the 11-year-old ran to a neighbor for help, who then contacted police. At trial, Tekeia claimed that he had armed himself with the gun to defend himself, but that the shooting was accidental.

"When emotions run high and guns are accessible, everyday disputes can escalate into gun violence and irreversible tragedy," said St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. "A son is gone, a child is left with lifelong trauma, and a family is torn apart. This case is a painful reminder of the importance of finding ways to resolve conflict before it turns deadly."

Tekeia faces a mandatory sentence of life without parole for first-degree murder and up to 15 years for armed criminal action. Sentencing is scheduled for July 18, 2025.

Tekeia Henderson has a prior criminal history that includes convictions for unlawful use of a weapon, possession of marijuana, third-degree assault, and peace disturbance.

Violent Crime Unit Supervisor Adam Field and Assistant Circuit Attorney Allan Kaiser prosecuted the case.

Case Number: 2422-CR01262-01.