On June 4, 2024, Justin Milem, aged 41, admitted to the murder of 50-year-old Michael Henley. Following his guilty plea, a Tarrant County jury sentenced him to 55 years in prison.
The incident dates back to July 1, 2021, when Milem initiated a confrontation with Henley at a Chevron gas station in Arlington. Thirteen minutes later, Arlington Police Officers responded to a nearby shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Henley on a residential street with a gunshot wound to the chest. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to the hospital.
Arlington Police Investigators identified Milem as the suspect. When officers attempted to apprehend him at his residence, he refused to cooperate. Milem's two sons were inside the house at the time. Subsequently, SWAT teams were summoned, and after several hours of negotiation, Milem surrendered.
During the investigation, law enforcement officials discovered multiple firearms, including assault rifles, and ammunition within Milem's home. Tarrant County Assistant District Attorneys Idris Akinpelu and Hilary Wright prosecuted the case on behalf of the State.
