On April 19, 2023, at approximately 3:00 p.m., San Saba law enforcement responded to a reported shooting in the 1200 block of Wallace Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered that an altercation between a husband and wife had resulted in the deaths of both individuals. The deceased were identified as 45-year-old Ben Henniger and his wife, 40-year-old Jo Lei Henniger, both residents of San Saba, Texas.
Tragically, the incident was witnessed by a juvenile, who was found uninjured at the scene. This child has since been relocated to live with other family members in the San Saba area.
Reports indicate that the shooting occurred in a parking lot area following an argument between the couple. Authorities have classified the event as a murder-suicide, with Ben allegedly shooting Jo Lei before taking his own life. Notably, this tragic event took place just one day after Ben was reportedly served with divorce papers, adding a potential motive to the investigation.
San Saba Police Chief John Bauer expressed deep condolences, stating, "This is a shocking and tragic situation. Words cannot express the depth of our condolences for the friends and family of those involved." He also commended the first responders for their swift and professional actions during such a traumatic event.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing. However, authorities have stated that there are no ongoing threats to the public at this time.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community of San Saba has been left in mourning, grappling with the loss of two of its members under such distressing circumstances. Support services are being extended to the affected family members, especially the juvenile who witnessed the event.
