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Murder of Luke Macke

23-year-old Luke Macke was chatting with a girl on social media in June 2021. Unbeknownst to him, she was lying about her age and identity. When she told Macke she wanted to meet up, he agreed.

On June 20th, he went to the meetup location. Instead of encountering a hot girl, he encountered someone who was trying to rob him. Macke was able to fight off the robber with the help of others, then he got away, WCPO reported.

Unfortunately, he didn’t learn his lesson. Four days later, after communicating with the same girl on Facebook and Snapchat, he agreed to another meetup near the Ryan Sports Complex in Westwood, Ohio, at around 11 p.m.

Just like four days earlier, he didn’t encounter an attractive female, he encountered a man trying to rob him. Macke tried to drive away, but this time he didn’t make it. The gunman fired a shot that hit him. Macke lost control of his vehicle and crashed.

After reports of a crash, officers arrived at the scene at 11:20 p.m. and tried to save him, but he didn’t make it, WCPO reported.

Arrest

19-year-old Christian Henderson and 16-year-old Savannah Wilson were arrested on July 21st, 2021, and charged with aggravated murder and aggravated robbery, according to WCPO. Henderson’s bond was set at $200,000, while Wilson’s case was sent to the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas.

In November 2021, WCPO reported that Wilson would be tried as an adult for her role in Macke’s murder. According to WLWT, at some point, Wilson made a deal with prosecutors to testify against Henderson in exchange for a lesser sentence.

Henderson’s First Trial

The legal process didn’t go smoothly over the next few years. According to WLWT, Henderson was able to delay his trial by toying with the legal system and going through seven attorneys.

By the time he went to trial in April 2025, he was acting as his own lawyer. This meant he was front and center to question all the witnesses, including Macke’s grieving mother, Nikki Coffin. She testified that he left her a voicemail before he died saying, “I love you, mom.”

As the trial came closer to its end, it was clear that the evidence against him was overwhelming. It seemed like a conviction should have been a slam dunk. An unforeseen event changed things.

According to WLWT, a guard found Henderson in his cell, lying in a pool of blood due to self-inflicted injuries. Henderson was taken to the hospital for treatment and was released the same day. He claimed to have lost his memory after hitting his head. Henderson filed a motion asking for a mistrial due to his head injury and memory loss, and it was granted.

At the time, the prosecutor told the media, “The judge’s hands are tied. Her job is to follow the law and administer the law.” Macke’s friend and family were distraught at the thought of having to go through such an emotional rollercoaster again.

Henderson’s Second Trial

Henderson’s second trial started in June 2025, and once again, Henderson was acting as his own attorney. Macke’s mother took the stand again, as did many of the witnesses who testified at the first trial. Henderson did not take the stand.

The verdict came down on June 26th, 2025. Henderson was convicted of aggravated murder, murder, aggravated robbery, and robbery. The victim’s family was elated that, after waiting four years, they finally got justice. They cried and hugged after the verdict was read, WLWT reported.

The then 23-year-old returned to court for sentencing on July 31st, 2026. Six of Macke’s relatives spoke with the most powerful statement coming from his sister, McKenna Macke saying, “In your pathetic, insecure little world, the only way to feel powerful is to grab a gun like a coward so you murdered him to feel like a man but let me be clear. you’ve never been one and you will never be one.”

The judge had the last word of the hearing, sentencing the then 23-year-old to 44 years to life in prison,  according to WLWT.

Wilson is convicted and sentenced

WLWT reported that Wilson’s case was resolved in September 2025. She was considered the mastermind, but since she was only 16 and cooperated in Henderson’s conviction, she was allowed to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter, aggravated robbery, and robbery.

At her sentencing, Macke’s family went in on her with one Aunt saying, “You are just as much to blame as the shooter is. You have no regard for human life. No regard for the fact that Luke worked hard for his money. The worst part is that you were only 16 at the time.”

Wilson had the chance to speak, but she declined. The judge had the final word, sentencing her to 14 years in prison. With credit for four years of time served, she only has to do 10 more years. She could be back on the streets in 2035, when she is 31.