Berry Le'Mar Henderson

May 20

Written By M T

37 years old · Hollywood, California · May 20, 2026

Who he was

Berry Le'Mar Henderson was 37 years old and lived in downtown Los Angeles. He was a student at a local trade school. His family described him as a gentle giant — cool, calm, and authentic. He loved music and spending time in the city he called home. His sister Latoya Payne said he was someone who "brought a smile" everywhere he went: "Anyone who knew Berry loved him. Everyone is just really devastated that it happened to Berry because he is one of those cool dudes. Berry don't cause trouble." His cousin Demeya Brewer said: "This was his area, his neighborhood. Business owners knew him." His family has been emphatic that he was not homeless, pushing back against assumptions that followed news coverage of his death. His sister O'Koia Nixon said: "My brother was not invisible. He was not disposable. He was a human being who deserved compassion, dignity, and life."

What happened

On May 20, 2026, around 3:25 p.m., Berry Henderson was waiting for a bus near Hollywood Boulevard and Las Palmas Avenue when a dog began chasing and aggressively biting him. Surveillance footage from a nearby 7-Eleven captured him running across Hollywood Boulevard as the dog bit at his ankles. He pulled out a knife and stabbed the dog to defend himself. Moments later, a group of four men — including the dog's owner — rushed toward him. At least one was armed with a machete. The group chased Henderson, cornered him, and stabbed and beat him. He stumbled toward a wall, where a bystander called for help. He was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead. He suffered multiple stab wounds. His cousin Demeya Brewer said at the vigil: "My cousin was not the aggressor, my cousin was just here. He was running away. He was down on the ground."

Official ruling

LAPD classified the incident as a homicide. Three suspects were arrested at the scene on the day of the killing: Bruce Lamont Fuller Jr., Isaul Hernandez, and Robert Anthony Garcia. The fourth suspect — identified as the man who stabbed Henderson with a knife — initially fled and escaped custody. He was subsequently located and arrested. All four suspects are in custody as of May 30, 2026. Jail records show at least one suspect has since posted bail.

Contested record

The family and community have raised concerns about why no bystanders intervened as Henderson was attacked in broad daylight on one of the most heavily trafficked tourist corridors in Los Angeles. Community activist Najee Ali — who posted the surveillance footage publicly — noted he had previously expressed concerns about the dog's owner. The family has also pushed back against early media framing that implied Henderson may have been homeless or otherwise responsible for his circumstances.

Legal process

May 20, 2026 — Berry Le'Mar Henderson killed near Hollywood Boulevard and Las Palmas Avenue. Three suspects arrested at the scene: Bruce Lamont Fuller Jr., Isaul Hernandez, and Robert Anthony Garcia. Fourth suspect flees.

May 29, 2026 — Candlelight vigil held outside Tattoo Doctors, 6700 Hollywood Blvd. Family and civil rights leaders call for arrest of fourth suspect and full accountability.

May 30, 2026 — Fourth suspect located and arrested. All four suspects now in custody. At least one has posted bail.

As of May 31, 2026 — All four suspects in custody. Case has not been confirmed as presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. Formal charges and arraignment dates not yet publicly reported.