ST. LOUIS, MO (July 18, 2025) — Tekeia Henderson, 49, was sentenced to life in prison today for killing his son, Demarko Henderson, 31, after a family argument that turned deadly.

Following a jury trial in June, Tekeia was sentenced Friday to life without parole for first-degree murder and 10 years for armed criminal action. The charges stem from an incident on April 30, 2024, in the 5100 block of Lexington Avenue in the City’s Kingsway West neighborhood.



Testimony at trial revealed that the murder occurred after Tekeia was accidentally woken by Demarko and an 11-year-old child, who were both returning home. After Tekeia became agitated and confronted the child, Demarko intervened to protect them. The dispute escalated into a physical altercation that ended when Tekeia’s live-in girlfriend broke the men apart and restrained Tekeia. While Demarko was preparing to leave the apartment, Tekeia stated that he was going to shoot Demarko. He then retrieved a firearm and shot his son twice—once in the head and once in the chest—at close range, in front of the child. The child ran to a neighbor, who contacted police. Tekeia claimed at trial that he had armed himself with the gun to defend himself, but that the gun discharged accidentally. Forensic findings and eyewitness statements contradicted that account.

“This was a needless act of gun violence with lasting impact,” said St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. “There is no justification for this level of violence inside a family. The sentence reflects the gravity of what was done and the pain left behind.”

Henderson has prior 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.

The defendant’s case number is 2422-CR01262-01.