Widow of Slain Grandfather Criticizes Gov. Hochul’s Subway Safety Plan
One year after her husband was tragically killed on a Brooklyn train, Jakeba Dockery, 43, expressed her disappointment with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s subway safety plan, stating that it would not have prevented her husband’s senseless murder. Dockery, the widow of beloved school crossing guard Richard Henderson, who was fatally shot while trying to break up a fight on a Brooklyn 3 train in January 2024, has not ridden the subway since her husband’s unsolved homicide.
Hochul’s initiative to increase police patrols on subways from 9 pm to 2 am was deemed inadequate by Dockery, as Henderson was killed before 9 pm. She suggested that a 24-hour patrol would be more effective in addressing subway violence. Henderson’s death marked the first subway murder of 2024, followed by nine more incidents that year.
Reflecting on the past year, Dockery shared her heartbreak over her husband being among the ten victims of subway violence in 2024. The impact of Henderson’s murder has left a lasting mark on their family, with Dockery noting the prevailing sense of anger and unease among subway riders.
Since Henderson’s death, Dockery has refrained from using the subway, a mode of transportation she once cherished. She described the change in atmosphere on the trains, lamenting the shift towards hostility and aggression.
To honor her late husband’s legacy and commitment to helping children, Dockery founded the nonprofit organization Richard’s Way. While awaiting justice for Henderson, she has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the capture of his killer.
Expressing frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation, Dockery called on city leaders to prioritize patrols on the 3 train line and in the East New York area, where her husband was murdered. She emphasized the importance of focusing efforts in specific areas to make a meaningful impact on subway safety.
As Dockery continues to seek closure and justice for her husband, she remains dedicated to advocating for improved safety measures on the subway and supporting initiatives that aim to prevent future tragedies.
