Saratoga County resident Jeff Henderson, of South Glens Falls, pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in Albany County Court on Thursday, Sept. 14, in the death of Benjamin Rowe.
According to prosecutors, Henderson fatally shot Rowe at around 2 a.m. Sunday, June 25 in Albany, near Hamilton and Ontario streets. Rowe was 25 years old.
His killing came during a particularly violent week in Albany in which two other men died in separate shootings, police said.
Investigators did not speculate on a possible motive in Rowe’s murder.
In court Thursday, Henderson also pleaded not guilty to a count of criminal possession of a weapon. He is scheduled to appear back in court on Friday, Oct. 27.
Rowe was well-known in the Capital Region music scene as the frontman of the metal group Miller Time and as the bassist of Medical Board, a duo band he started with his brother, according to a GoFundMe.
He also helped book and organize DIY shows in the Albany area.
“He was a gentle soul and loved by many,” campaign organizer Lee Rowe said.
His family has since started a memorial fund called the Ben Rowe Project to help musicians and bands get instruments and other necessary equipment.
“Ben's loss remains a senseless tragedy and he is dearly missed,” Rowe’s family said. “Creating this project in his name is our way of honoring Ben and continuing his passion, and he would be so very proud and thankful to all of you.”
Those who wish to support the project can do so here.
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