MEMPHIS, TN – Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons announced Thursday that a jury on Wednesday evening convicted a Memphis man for the violent armed robbery of an Hispanic victim.  The defendant also awaits trial on first degree murder and several robbery charges related to an armed robbery spree of Hispanic victims that ended in a deadly shooting.

            The jury found Andre Henderson, 23, guilty as indicted of especially aggravated robbery, a class A felony.  Henderson shot Gildardo Diaz in the back on September 23, 2005 after robbing the victim of cash and his wallet.  The victim was headed to work around 6 o’clock in the morning, walking to his car from his apartment near Lamar and Interstate-240, when the robbery and shooting occurred. 

Henderson faces 25-40 years, to be served without parole, when he is sentenced on July 2 in Criminal Court Division 10.

Henderson awaits trial on first degree murder charges for allegedly shooting and killing Santiago Gomez in the early morning hours of October 11, 2005 during an armed robbery.  Henderson is also charged with robbing at gunpoint other Hispanic victims over several weeks, including at least six others between 2:45 and 5:20 a.m. the day of the deadly shooting.

Especially aggravated robbery is a charge covered by the D.A.’s “No Deals” policy on violent crimes. Exceptions are made to policy for legal or ethical reasons.

            Assistant District Attorneys David Pritchard and Ray Lepone prosecuted this case. Both prosecutors are assigned to the D.A.’s Gang and Narcotics Prosecution Unit.