Eugene "Big U" Henley is asking a federal judge to temporarily release him from jail so he can attend and participate in the Islamic burial rites of his murdered son, 34-year-old Jabari Henley, according to an ex parte application filed this week.
In the filing, the elder Henley, who's currently detained on federal charges in a RICO case, asks for supervised release under a law that allows temporary freedom for a "compelling reason." His attorneys argue that nothing is more compelling than a father fulfilling his final religious duties to his child.
Henley's lawyers open the application with an appeal to the court's compassion, writing: "The death of one's child represents an unparalleled human tragedy. The opportunity to attend and participate in the funeral rites is not merely a matter of personal preference, but a fundamental expression of human dignity."
The filing explains that Henley and his family are devout Muslims, and that Islamic burial rituals require immediate family participation in rites such as the ritual washing (Ghusl al-mayyit) and shrouding (Kafn) of the body, practices considered mandatory acts of faith. Henley is requesting permission only for Friday's (Nov. 21) private rites, not the public burial the following day. His attorneys argue that denying this would deepen his suffering.
"To deny this narrow request would inflict an additional, profound layer of suffering upon a parent already enduring the unimaginable grief of burying their child," reads the filing.
Letters submitted by family members and supporters urge the judge to show mercy.
"We humbly request your compassion… This is not only a time for our family to lay Jabari to rest, but also an opportunity for Mr. Henley to find some measure of peace and closure as a grieving father," reads one of the letters, signed by a number of Henley's relatives.
Another supporter emphasized Henley's impact on the community, writing, "Allowing Eugene to attend his son's funeral would be a compassionate gesture… It will reinforce the values of empathy and understanding within our justice system."
Henley is currently held in pre-trial detention at MDC Los Angeles. The government opposes his request to attend the burial rites. His legal team proposes stringent conditions, including electronic surveillance, private security, a secured bond, and a tightly controlled itinerary, to address any safety concerns.
The decision now rests with U.S. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha, who will determine whether Henley can leave federal custody under strict supervision to mourn his son in accordance with his faith.
Jabari Henley was shot and killed on Halloween night in South Los Angeles. No arrests have yet been made in the case.