A brutal stabbing occurred in broad daylight on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, resulting in the death of Berry Henderson, 37, described by family as a “gentle giant.” The incident unfolded on Wednesday, May 20, in the afternoon near Hollywood Boulevard and Las Palmas Avenue, a bustling California tourist landmark.
Henderson was reportedly defending himself from a pit bull that attacked him near a bus stop around 3 p.m., according to KTLA. Surveillance footage shows the dog chasing him into the street and biting at his legs. Henderson drew a knife to protect himself, stabbing the pit bull. At that point, a group of four men, including the dog’s owner, allegedly attacked Henderson.
Details of the Attack
According to the LAPD, three of the men “physically assaulted the victim using bodily force and a small bat,” while the fourth allegedly stabbed Henderson multiple times with a knife. KTLA also reported that one of the attackers was armed with a machete. At one point, Henderson managed to get away, visibly bloodied, and stumbled across Las Palmas Avenue, as shown in surveillance video.
Henderson’s cousin, Demeya Brewer, told KTLA:
“He was running away. He was down on the ground, running away and they still continued to attack him.”
Henderson ultimately suffered multiple stab wounds and later died from his injuries at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, approximately 20 minutes after being transported. His family stated on a GoFundMe that he “passed away alone before our family could be notified,” calling it an “unimaginable loss.”
Arrests and Investigation
The LAPD reported that three suspects were located and arrested, while the fourth man, initially identified as the one who stabbed Henderson with a knife, fled but was later taken into custody. The department did not release information regarding the pit bull’s status.
Henderson was a student at a local trade school and was known to the community. Brewer emphasized his peaceful nature:
“My cousin was not a threat to anyone. This was his area, his neighborhood and business owners knew him and we just don’t need that. We need more love and peace.”
Another cousin, Sharon Grimes, said that no bystanders intervened during the attack:
“People around weren’t doing anything. I didn’t see nobody try to come to his rescue, so. With all that blood, you know, it’s … you wanna pick up the phone or scream or say ‘get away, stop’ or something, and I didn’t see that.”
Family Tributes and GoFundMe
Henderson’s family created a GoFundMe fundraiser describing him as “authentic” and a “gentle giant.” It read:
“Berry was like a gentle giant; cool, calm, authentic man who enjoyed music, spending time in the city he loved, and living life in his own peaceful way. He was not homeless. He was deeply loved by his family and friends, and his life mattered.”
The fundraiser also lamented the failure of witnesses to intervene:
“Witnesses watched in shock as the scene unfolded, leaving excessive blood across the sidewalk and walls nearby.”
Summary Table of Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Berry Henderson, 37 |
| Location | Hollywood Boulevard and Las Palmas Avenue, Los Angeles, California |
| Date/Time | Wednesday, May 20, afternoon (~3 p.m.) |
| Incident | Stabbed multiple times after defending himself from pit bull |
| Attackers | Four men; one dog owner; weapons included knife, small bat, machete |
| Surveillance | Shows Henderson stumbling across Las Palmas Avenue bloodied |
| Hospital | Cedars-Sinai Hospital; approx. 20-minute transport; died same day |
| Witnesses | No intervention reported |
| Family | Cousins Demeya Brewer and Sharon Grimes; GoFundMe tribute emphasizes peaceful, loved character |
| Arrests | All four suspects now in custody |
| Dog Status | Not released by LAPD |
Berry Henderson’s death on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a tragic example of public violence escalating from self-defense. Henderson, who tried to defend himself from a dog attack, was attacked by multiple men, including one armed with a knife and another with a machete, and later succumbed to his injuries.
Family and friends describe him as a “gentle giant” and lament that witnesses failed to intervene. Authorities have taken all suspects into custody, and the case continues to highlight public safety concerns in crowded tourist areas.
