Benjamin Xavier Rowe, a 25-year-old male, was killed in a senseless act of violence in Albany, New York, on Sunday, June 25, 2023. A graduate of Guilderland High School and the University at Albany, Rowe was a passionate and integral part of the local music community. He was known for organizing and promoting shows, as well as being a musical artist himself, serving as the vocalist and bassist for the duo Miller Time.
In the early morning hours, at approximately 2 a.m., Rowe was walking
on Hamilton Street when a vehicle carrying five men passed by. One of the passengers, Jeff Henderson, then 20 years old, began yelling profanities at Rowe. After Rowe made a gesture back at the vehicle, Henderson and two other passengers got out of the car. Moments later, Henderson fatally shot Rowe. There was no prior connection between the victim and his attacker. The incident occurred on the 500 block of Hamilton Street, between Ontario and Partridge streets.
Following an investigation that utilized surveillance footage, police identified the suspect vehicle and its occupants. Jeff Henderson of South Glens Falls was arrested in Indiana several weeks after the shooting and charged with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. The driver of the vehicle, Matthew Brewer, 20, of Queensbury, was charged with hindering prosecution and later pleaded guilty to attempted hindering of prosecution.
Henderson's trial took place in September 2024. He claimed he acted in self-defense, testifying that he believed Rowe was reaching for a gun. Prosecutors disputed this claim, highlighting that Henderson was wearing a mask during the confrontation and had opportunities to walk away. The jury deliberated for less than an hour before finding Jeff Henderson guilty of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. In November 2024, he was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison.
