Benson High student accepted basketball scholarship. He was robbed later at gunpoint and shot

A Benson High School senior suffered crime and violence by teen suspects. The robbery which transpired left KeShon Henderson with his life yet a victim of firearm violence, and his college basketball career left unrealized due to severe injury. A constant for the young man was basketball, getting press coverage in the meantime.

FEBRUARY 1 — NORTHEAST BOYS 62, OMAHA BENSON 53

KeShon played high school basketball this past winter (see photo) as a junior. A Feb. 1st, Friday evening game in Lincoln was a loss for his team as “Carson Busch scored 21 points to help the Rockets improve to 5-13. Benson cut the Rocket lead to 41-37 after the third quarter, but Busch scored 11 points and Pierce Brazil added seven points in the final frame to prevent the Bunnies from getting closer. Denim Jackson had 16 points for Benson.“ Clark Grell gave Lincoln Journal Star basketball coverage.

BUNNIES HAVE A 6-16 SEASON FOR 2018-2019, THOUGH KESHON ADVANCES IN 2019 AS A BRIGHT KID

The Kearney (NE) varsity basketball team won their home playoff game against Benson (Omaha, NE) by a score of 82-55, which was the last game for the Bunnies. In September, KeShon Henderson, a 17-year-old, officially accepted a scholarship to play college basketball at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois. Hours later, KeShon went for a walk which ended with the shooting that nearly left him dead, being shot once in the leg and once in his lung.

"This is a good kid, he did not deserve any of this."

SEPTEMBER 23 — OMAHA POLICE INVESTIGATE SHOOTING AT 4100 NORTH 42ND STREET

RB# AL92026 | police.cityofomaha.org

One person sustained multiple injuries in a shooting in the 4100 block of North 42nd Street Monday evening (September 23). Officers responded to the area at 6:27 p.m. and located a scene, but no victim. The victim, 17-year-old Keshon Henderson eventually arrived at the Nebraska Medical Center by private vehicle and immediately went into surgery. It is believed that his injuries are not life threatening. 

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Omaha Crime Stoppers at (402) 444-STOP, at www.omahacrimestoppers.org or on the P3 Tips mobile app. Tips leading to an arrest in a shooting are eligible for a $10,000 reward.

AFTERMATH OF VIOLENCE

Four days into a coma, doctors noticed one of KeShon's legs was taking on a dark color. Blood wasn't circulating through it. A day after that, his leg lost most of its warmth, his mother Tina Henderson said. Discolored and cold to the touch, doctors amputated Henderson's leg to save his life. The family says the gunshot wounds damaged, "every organ in his abdominal region.”

KeShon Hernderson | Benson High | KETV

DALAUN DILLARD TV REPORTS

This Benson High School senior, KeShon Henderson just accepted a full-ride scholarship to play basketball in college. The day after he signed with the university, he was robbed and shot multiple times. His mother says one of the bullets traveled from his lung down to his leg. Ultimately doctors had to amputate the 17 year old's right leg, and now he's in a coma fighting for his life. You'll hear from his mother tonight at 10 p.m. only on KETV Newswatch 7. His family has a Go Fund Me account set up to help with his medical expenses.

You can donate here: gofundme.com/f/basketball-was-his-dream

—(October 6, Facebook post)

"This is a good kid, he did not deserve any of this," KeShon's aunt, Juarquate Brown said in the interview with KETV7. "He always had a ball in his hand, so this one right here is really tough."

OCTOBER 7 — UPDATE FROM OMANHA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Two individuals have been arrested in connection with this assault. A 16-year-old male was booked at the Douglas County Youth Center for 1st-Degree Assault and use of a Weapon to Commit a Felony, and a 16-year-old male was booked for Robbery. 

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Omaha Crime Stoppers.

OCTOBER 9 — collegiate Support

Judson University intends to offer an academic scholarship to Keshon Henderson. “Our coaches were impressed by him. Obviously with his visit that was a huge affirmation that he was interested in Judson. So we were excited about him, and we were early in the recruitment process,” said President Dr. Gene Crume to KETV. With his leg amputated, Keshon’s basketball career is in question but “that should be no excuse for his collegiate career to be in jeopardy.”