In the summer of 2015, the life of 18-year-old Velik Henderson, a Black/African American male, was tragically cut short in his Overland Park, Kansas, home. On June 30th, what began as a plan to purchase marijuana devolved into a fatal attempted robbery. Two other teenagers, Marquise Stokes and Trevon Anderson, arrived at Henderson's residence in the 7800 block of West 61st Terrace with the intent to rob him.
The situation inside the house escalated dramatically, leading to an exchange of
gunfire. In the ensuing chaos, both Velik Henderson and 19-year-old Trevon Anderson were shot. Henderson died at the scene, while Anderson, who was wounded, managed to flee the house before collapsing on the street outside. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital. The violent encounter left two young men dead and a community in shock.
The investigation into the double homicide led Overland Park detectives to Marquise D. Stokes, then 18, who was arrested and charged in connection with Henderson's death. Initially, another 18-year-old, Donnell Cortez Preston, was also charged, but the case against him was later dropped. Stokes faced charges of first-degree felony murder, aggravated burglary, and attempted aggravated robbery for his role in the botched robbery that led to the deadly shootout.
In November 2017, Marquise Stokes, then 20, pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of second-degree murder. Court documents revealed that Stokes had aided and abetted Trevon Anderson in the attempt to rob Henderson. The court found him guilty, and in February 2018, he was sentenced to 12 years and three months in prison for his part in the events that led to the death of Velik Henderson.
