Bio

Theodore Rodgers Jr. was born on June 16, 1940. He grew up in Florida. He became a plumber and worked in that field for many years. His life took a turn when he married Teresa Henderson. They ran a daycare facility together.

As an adult, Theodore faced some personal challenges. He had a previous romantic relationship with a woman named Verna Fudge, who was also a minister. At one point, he reached out to her for help during a difficult time in his marriage. He seemed to have ongoing issues in his relationship with Teresa, and there were signs of conflict between them.

Theodore had a prior history with the law. In 1978, he was involved in a case of manslaughter. The legal consequences led him to serve time in prison. 

Throughout his life, Theodore struggled with his feelings and relationships, especially with Teresa. These struggles culminated in tragic events that would define his later years.

Murder Story

On February 14, 2001, Theodore Rodgers Jr. shot and killed his wife, Teresa Henderson, in a daycare facility in Orange County, Florida. Earlier that day, Theodore left his plumbing job to confront his wife at the daycare, suspecting she was having an affair. When he arrived, he saw Henderson's ex-husband hurriedly leaving the facility. Inside, Rodgers found Teresa in the bathroom.

After a heated argument, Rodgers accused Teresa of being a disappointment and said he would be leaving her. He then called a friend for advice and mentioned he was “tired of her doing what she’s doing.” He suggested he might “take care of the problem” or “kill her” depending on what she said. Later, he went to buy a Valentine’s Day card and flowers for her.

Teresa called Rodgers back to resolve their fight. When he returned, he claimed that the lights were off, and the children were not present. During their confrontation, Teresa allegedly picked up a gun and shot at him, but missed. A struggle for the weapon ensued, resulting in her being shot multiple times.

Witnesses, including children present at the daycare, testified that Rodgers entered angrily, argued with Henderson, and then retrieved a gun. They reported that he shot her as she attempted to escape.

After the shooting, Rodgers drove around for a time, then visited a pool hall where he spoke to friends about feeling doomed. He later called his work partner, confessed to killing his wife, and attempted suicide by shooting himself in the head but survived.

Rodgers was arrested the same day of the crime. On June 16, 2004, he was sentenced to death for the murder of Teresa Henderson. He had a prior criminal history, including earlier convictions for manslaughter. His appeals to the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court have not resulted in a change to his sentence.