Des Moines police say a 40-year-old woman injured in a shooting Friday afternoon in Des Moines has died after a man she recently ended a relationship with shot her. Police say Jessica Henderson died Saturday morning. According to investigators, Abdul Jabbar Jackson, 50, used a handgun to shoot Henderson and her dog on Friday. According to police, Jackson then fired at one of Henderson’s friends before shooting himself.Officers and Des Moines Fire Department rescue crews performed life-saving measures on Henderson and Jackson at the scene, where Jackson was pronounced dead. According to DMPD, Jackson posted bond and was released from the Polk County Jail just over six hours before the shooting on Friday afternoon. Police say Henderson had contacted Des Moines police less than two weeks before the shooting to report threatening communications from Jackson after she ended a relationship with him. According to police, the messages included threats to shoot her. Investigators requested arrest warrants for two first-degree harassment charges.The day after that report, police say a GPS tracking device was found on Henderson’s vehicle and turned over to detectives. Investigators identified Jackson as a suspect. Police found Jackson on May 6 and arrested him. He was then taken to the Polk County Jail. According to DMPD, Jackson posted bond and was released from the Polk County Jail just over six hours before the shooting on Friday afternoon. Police say two handguns were recovered at the scene.Des Moines police are continuing to investigate. Henderson’s family did share the following statement: “It is with profoundly heavy hearts that we share the tragic passing of Jessica Nicole Henderson, a truly beautiful soul who touched countless lives with her kindness, compassion, unwavering love, and unforgettable spirit.”Jessica had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, cared for, and important. Every life she touched was changed for the better through her generosity, fierce loyalty, infectious spunk, and enormous heart. She never hesitated to help a stranger, stand beside a friend, or show up for the people she loved most.”Above all else, Jessica was a loving daughter, devoted sister, proud stepmom, incredible aunt, and loyal friend. She adored her nieces and nephews beyond measure, creating special memories filled with laughter, comfort, and unconditional love that will be cherished forever. She was also a deeply devoted dog mom to her beloved boy, Trigg, who brought her endless happiness and companionship.”Jessica’s life was taken far too soon in a tragic act of domestic violence. Today, we mourn not only the devastating loss of a beautiful human being, but also the painful reality that domestic violence continues to claim lives and shatter families and communities.”Domestic violence is not a private matter — it is a serious public safety issue that often escalates to lethal violence, particularly when firearms are involved. Victims frequently navigate fear, coercive control, threats, manipulation, trauma bonds, and isolation that make seeking safety extraordinarily difficult.”As we honor Jessica’s memory, we also urge our community to continue advocating for victims, taking warning signs seriously, strengthening coordinated system responses, and ensuring survivors have access to support and resources without judgment.”Jessica’s light cannot be extinguished. It will continue to shine through the many people she inspired, supported, and loved so deeply. While the pain of this loss is immeasurable and she will be profoundly missed, her legacy of love, strength, compassion, and selflessness will never be forgotten. Her love will live on in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have known her.”We ask the community to keep Jessica’s family, friends, and all who loved her in their thoughts during this unimaginably difficult time.”
DES MOINES, Iowa —
Des Moines police say a 40-year-old woman injured in a shooting Friday afternoon in Des Moines has died after a man she recently ended a relationship with shot her.
Police say Jessica Henderson died Saturday morning.
According to investigators, Abdul Jabbar Jackson, 50, used a handgun to shoot Henderson and her dog on Friday. According to police, Jackson then fired at one of Henderson’s friends before shooting himself.
Officers and Des Moines Fire Department rescue crews performed life-saving measures on Henderson and Jackson at the scene, where Jackson was pronounced dead.
According to DMPD, Jackson posted bond and was released from the Polk County Jail just over six hours before the shooting on Friday afternoon.
Police say Henderson had contacted Des Moines police less than two weeks before the shooting to report threatening communications from Jackson after she ended a relationship with him. According to police, the messages included threats to shoot her. Investigators requested arrest warrants for two first-degree harassment charges.
The day after that report, police say a GPS tracking device was found on Henderson’s vehicle and turned over to detectives. Investigators identified Jackson as a suspect.
Police found Jackson on May 6 and arrested him. He was then taken to the Polk County Jail.
According to DMPD, Jackson posted bond and was released from the Polk County Jail just over six hours before the shooting on Friday afternoon. Police say two handguns were recovered at the scene.
Des Moines police are continuing to investigate.
Henderson’s family did share the following statement:
“It is with profoundly heavy hearts that we share the tragic passing of Jessica Nicole Henderson, a truly beautiful soul who touched countless lives with her kindness, compassion, unwavering love, and unforgettable spirit.
“Jessica had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, cared for, and important. Every life she touched was changed for the better through her generosity, fierce loyalty, infectious spunk, and enormous heart. She never hesitated to help a stranger, stand beside a friend, or show up for the people she loved most.
“Above all else, Jessica was a loving daughter, devoted sister, proud stepmom, incredible aunt, and loyal friend. She adored her nieces and nephews beyond measure, creating special memories filled with laughter, comfort, and unconditional love that will be cherished forever. She was also a deeply devoted dog mom to her beloved boy, Trigg, who brought her endless happiness and companionship.
“Jessica’s life was taken far too soon in a tragic act of domestic violence. Today, we mourn not only the devastating loss of a beautiful human being, but also the painful reality that domestic violence continues to claim lives and shatter families and communities.
“Domestic violence is not a private matter — it is a serious public safety issue that often escalates to lethal violence, particularly when firearms are involved. Victims frequently navigate fear, coercive control, threats, manipulation, trauma bonds, and isolation that make seeking safety extraordinarily difficult.
“As we honor Jessica’s memory, we also urge our community to continue advocating for victims, taking warning signs seriously, strengthening coordinated system responses, and ensuring survivors have access to support and resources without judgment.
“Jessica’s light cannot be extinguished. It will continue to shine through the many people she inspired, supported, and loved so deeply. While the pain of this loss is immeasurable and she will be profoundly missed, her legacy of love, strength, compassion, and selflessness will never be forgotten. Her love will live on in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have known her.
“We ask the community to keep Jessica’s family, friends, and all who loved her in their thoughts during this unimaginably difficult time.”
