William Bill A. Henson, a 59-year-old man from Fairborn, Ohio, passed away on January 14, 2015. He was born on December 1, 1955, in Xenia, Ohio, and had retired from the U.S. Air Force after nearly 20 years of service. Henson was known for his love of collecting guns and antiques, and he was always willing to help others. He is survived by his beloved dog, Gerda, his mother Bonnie Henson, his father Robert Henson, two sisters, Penny Belzman and Terri Baca, three nieces, two nephews, and several other family members.
The circumstances surrounding Henson's death were tragic. Raymond Zimmerman, a 17-year-old relative, pleaded guilty to the shooting death of Henson. Zimmerman was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 18 years. The murder was believed to be motivated by Zimmerman's desire for drug money, and he had briefly taken a woman hostage during an escape from juvenile detention officers before the murder. Henson was shot twice in the head and once in the shoulder.
Another teenager, Robert Winbush, 19, was also charged in connection with Henson's murder and was set to go on trial in July. The case highlighted the devastating impact of drug addiction and the availability of firearms in the community.
Henson's death left a significant impact on his family and the community, with many expressing their grief and disbelief over the senseless act. His cousin Cheryl Savakinas remarked on the tragedy, noting that the family had always believed they were protected by their faith. Laura Jarvis, a neighbor, described Zimmerman as "trouble" and hoped he would never be released from prison.
The loss of William Bill A. Henson was a stark reminder of the dangers posed by drug addiction and the need for stronger measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
