Ember Henry, 18, was discovered dead in a residential area with several gunshot wounds. The Village of Salado and the Temple, Texas community are in sorrow. On the morning of Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Henry, the son of former Salado mayor Bert Henry, was found during a welfare check.
His death has been ruled a homicide by the Temple Police Department, leaving family, friends, and the tight-knit Central Texas community in profound grief over the sudden and violent end to a young life filled with promise.
Temple police first responded to the 1300 block of Paseo Del Oro around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, following reports of shots fired in the area. Officers searched the residential neighborhood but were unable to locate a crime scene or anyone in need of assistance at that time and cleared the call. The following morning, authorities returned to the same location for an urgent welfare check and discovered Henry’s body suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ember Henry was remembered as a driven young man and athlete who made his own mark in the community beyond being the son of a former mayor. Family and friends described him as someone who never met a stranger, always willing to lend a helping hand, and someone who carried himself with purpose. His passing has prompted an outpouring of support in Salado, where residents have highlighted his positive impact and the void left in the small village north of Temple.
The Temple Police Department Criminal Investigation Division is leading the active homicide investigation with assistance from other agencies as needed. As of the latest updates, no suspects have been named or arrested, and limited information has been released to protect the integrity of the case. Detectives continue to gather evidence and interview potential witnesses from the Paseo Del Oro neighborhood where the shooting occurred.
The tragic incident has united the Salado community in support of the Henry family. A vigil was organized to honor Ember’s memory and provide comfort to loved ones. Former Mayor Bert Henry and others have spoken about cherishing the young man’s independent spirit and the many lives he touched during his short time. The loss has reverberated strongly in this Central Texas area known for its close community ties.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting in the 1300 block of Paseo Del Oro is urged to contact the Temple Police Department or Bell County Crime Stoppers. The investigation remains ongoing with no additional public details released about motive or circumstances at this stage. As the community processes this heartbreaking event, focus remains on supporting the grieving family while seeking justice for Ember Henry.
