Actor Dwight Henry Eyed In 2006 Killing

Actor Dwight Henry is being eyed in a killing that remained unsolved for nearly nine years. On February 5, 2006, Leroy Paige was stabbed to death outside his New Orleans home. Although Henry was identified as the primary suspect, and subsequently arrested, criminal charges were never filed.

Orleans Parish Assistant District Attorney Christopher Bowman is unsure why the charges were dropped. However, he believes there was sufficient evidence to charge Dwight Henry in Paige’s death. As reported by Reuters, Bowman confirmed that New Orleans does not have a statute of limitations on charges of murder.

Henry is best known as the actor who played Wink in the 2012 fantasy-drama film Beasts of the Southern Wild. His stellar performance led to numerous nominations and an award for Best Supporting Actor from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.

In 2013, Henry played Uncle Abram in the critically acclaimed 12 Years a Slave. He is also slated to appear in the highly anticipated Marvin Gaye biopic Sexual Healing.

Despite his success on the silver screen, Dwight Henry is perhaps better known as a talented baker and chef. He is specifically known for his buttermilk drop doughnuts, which are exclusively sold at Wink’s Buttermilk Drop Bakery and Bistro.

Although he has an unquestionable talent for acting and baking, Henry has a troubled past. As reported by NOLA, his arrest record dates back to 1988. In addition to his arrest in the 2006 killing, Dwight Henry has numerous convictions ranging from drug possession to resisting arrest.

Last week, Henry was arrested and charged with theft. According to court documents, the actor and baker is accused of stealing nearly $1,000 from the cash drawer at Wink’s Buttermilk Drop Bakery and Bistro.

Attorney Wayne E. Woods, who represents the bakery, further alleges that Dwight Henry “made physical threats toward the manager” during the robbery.

Bowman said Henry’s most recent arrest led the reexamination of the 2006 case. Bowman said “current prosecutors are taking a fresh look at that case to better understand why the charge was refused in September 2006.” Although prosecutors are unsure why the charges were never filed, Bowman suggests the former administration “was less aggressive in prosecuting violent crime.”

Henry’s cousin, Troy, has admitted that the actor did in fact stab Leroy Paige. However, Troy insists Paige was killed in self-defense.

Although Dwight Henry’s involvement in the 2006 killing is being reexamined, prosecutors have not confirmed whether he will face criminal charges.

[Image via GUIM]