Eugene Henley Jr. Indicted in RICO Case, Faces Murder Charge

Eugene "Big U" Henley helped launch Nipsey Hussle's music career, but now he's facing charges including murder as part of a sweeping racketeering, or RICO, indictment.

Eugene Henley Jr., also known as "Big U," an alleged leader of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, appeared in court Thursday, a day after surrendering to federal authorities and posting a video proclaiming his innocence. He faces charges including murder, kidnapping, extortion, and racketeering (RICO).

Henley is among 18 individuals indicted on federal charges, including drug trafficking, conspiracy, and firearms offenses, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. Before his surrender, Henley, who describes himself as a community activist, denied the accusations, stating, "This the price of being Black and trying to help somebody, trying to help your community and do what you can. You just guilty because somebody else don’t like you."

Following his court appearance, Henley will remain detained until a hearing on March 31, with his arraignment scheduled for April 8. An attorney for Henley could not be located.

The indictment accuses Henley of leading a "mafia-like organization" that extorted professional athletes and musicians visiting Los Angeles, demanding they "check-in" for protection. Federal authorities allege he used his "stature and long-standing association" with the Rollin’ 60s and other gangs to extort victims.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally described Henley as "a murderer, a thief, a liar, and a cheat," despite his public image as an entertainment entrepreneur and community benefactor. The indictment is the result of a multi-year FBI investigation.

Henley is accused of involvement in the 2021 murder of aspiring rapper Rayshawn Williams, who was allegedly killed for a diss track. Authorities claim Henley and Sylvester "Vey" Robinson shot Williams and disposed of his body in the Las Vegas desert.

The indictment also details the robbery of a marijuana dispensary that had previously paid extortion money to Henley's organization. He is further accused of defrauding figures like Draymond Green and Shaquille O'Neal, allegedly soliciting charitable donations for personal gain.

In the docuseries "Hip Hop Uncovered," Henley admitted to past involvement with the Rollin’ 60s Crips and car theft as a youth. He later managed Kurupt but was arrested in 1991 for attempting to rob an undercover officer, serving 13 years in prison. Upon release in 2004, he founded the nonprofit Developing Options.

Others named in the indictment include Mark "Bear Claw" Martin, and rappers Bricc Baby and Luce Cannon. If convicted, Henley faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.