Who is Eugene ‘Big U’ Henley? The Crip Kingpin Behind the Rollin’ 60s, and Hollywood Deals
Who is Eugene ‘Big U’ Henley?
For years, Eugene ‘Big U’ Henley moved between two worlds. To some, he was a respected community figure—a man who spoke of redemption, mentored at-risk youth, and built bridges between the streets and Hollywood. To others, he was the shadowy figure pulling strings behind one of America’s most notorious street gangs: the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips.
Now, at 58, Henley is facing a storm he might not talk his way out of. Accused of orchestrating a criminal empire likened to a mafia syndicate, Henley is alleged to have overseen a wide-ranging operation that included murder, human trafficking, drug distribution, and extortion.
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| Hip hop entrepreneur Eugene 'Big U' Henley Jr. accused of murder, extortion |
Henley: A Crip’s Crip
Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Henley’s name has been synonymous with the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips for decades. The gang, one of the largest and most feared in Los Angeles, rose to prominence during the crack epidemic of the 1980s and has since expanded far beyond its original turf. Henley became a key player early on, earning the nickname “Big U” for his size and influence.
Former associates and law enforcement describe Henley as more than a typical gang member. He’s long been seen as a strategist and enforcer, a figure who commands respect not just from the streets but also from business leaders, celebrities, and politicians who’ve crossed paths with him.
But Henley’s leadership wasn’t just about violence and intimidation. He helped structure the Rollin’ 60s into a complex organization with layers of soldiers, lieutenants, and financial operations. Prosecutors allege that under Henley’s guidance, the gang functioned more like a corporate entity than a chaotic street crew.
The Double Life
What complicates Henley’s story is the public persona he carefully crafted. After serving time in prison in the late '80s and early '90s, Henley reemerged as a self-styled reformer. He founded organizations aimed at stopping gang violence, partnered with community leaders, and even entered the entertainment industry, consulting on films and working behind the scenes with rappers and athletes.
His connections in the music business are well-known. Henley advised several major artists and appeared to bridge the gap between Los Angeles’ street culture and the entertainment world. To many, he was the guy who could get things done, whether it was negotiating a ceasefire between rival sets or helping a young artist gain street credibility.
At community events, Henley spoke about change, peace, and the importance of guiding the next generation away from the pitfalls that had ensnared him and so many others. His work earned him a degree of legitimacy in public circles, but not everyone bought into the narrative.
A Family Name in the Spotlight
Adding another dimension to Henley’s profile is his role as a father. His son, Daiyan Henley, is a rising star in professional football. A linebacker with speed and strength, Daiyan has often spoken about overcoming obstacles and staying focused despite the challenges around him.
While Daiyan has built his own path, his father’s reputation has inevitably cast a long shadow. Friends and teammates describe Daiyan as disciplined and driven, avoiding distractions that could jeopardize his career. Yet, with recent allegations against Big U surfacing, questions have emerged about how much Daiyan knew about his father’s alleged activities—and how much that legacy impacts him today.
The Case Against Henley
According to court documents, federal prosecutors allege that Henley’s network operated with precision and brutality. Witnesses have described coordinated extortion rackets targeting businesses across Los Angeles. Others point to ties with international trafficking operations, funneling women and drugs across state and national borders.
The indictment paints Henley as the architect of a highly organized system of violence and profit, where rivals were silenced, and loyalty was enforced through fear. Authorities allege that the gang leveraged legitimate businesses as fronts, laundering money and maintaining appearances while controlling illicit enterprises underneath.
Still, some members of the community remain skeptical of the charges. Supporters argue that Henley has been a scapegoat for a city struggling to address systemic issues of poverty, policing, and inequality.
Who is Daiyan Henley? the Son of Eugene ‘Big U’ Henley
Daiyan Henley is the son of Eugene ‘Big U’ Henley, the alleged leader of the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips. Daiyan was born to Eugene and Stacey on November 18, 1999, in Los Angeles, California. Unlike his father’s troubled legacy, Daiyan has carved out a name for himself in professional football. A standout linebacker known for his athleticism and intensity, Daiyan played college football at Washington State before entering the NFL, where he’s regarded as a promising defensive talent. Teammates and coaches often praise his work ethic and focus, traits that have helped him distance himself from his father’s controversial reputation. Despite the shadow of Big U’s criminal allegations, Daiyan has stayed clear of scandal, choosing to build his own path based on discipline and determination. Still, with his father facing serious federal charges, Daiyan’s personal story now carries the added weight of his family name, raising questions about how he navigates life in the spotlight under these complex circumstances. |
A Complicated Legacy
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| Federal authorities search for longtime LA Crips gang leader charged with murder, human trafficking |
Henley’s story is one of contradictions. A mentor and mediator to some, a feared boss to others. His trajectory from South Central street soldier to influential community leader—and now accused crime lord—embodies the complexities of Los Angeles itself.
No trial date has been set, and Henley maintains his innocence. For now, he remains a polarizing figure. In certain circles, he’s still referred to with admiration. In others, he’s the embodiment of an underworld that refuses to fade away.
The case against Big U will play out in the courts, but his influence—whether in boardrooms, recording studios, or the streets—has already left a lasting mark.
The Manhunt Begins: Feds Close In on Big U as Fugitive Kingpin
Eugene ‘Big U’ Henley is now a fugitive, with federal authorities actively hunting him down. As the manhunt intensifies, law enforcement is tightening its grip on Henley’s alleged network, raiding businesses and tracking financial assets linked to his operation. The FBI considers Henley a key figure in dismantling the Rollin’ 60s criminal enterprise, and insiders suggest more arrests could follow.
Meanwhile, the public is watching closely. Will Henley resurface and fight the charges, or will he attempt to disappear into the criminal underworld he helped shape? His son, Daiyan Henley, remains in the public eye, as fans and media speculate on how his father’s actions might impact his NFL career.
For now, Big U’s fate hangs in the balance. The search is on, and so is the fight for control over a legacy divided between activism and organized crime.
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