Inset: Donald Henry (Desoto County Jail). Background: President Donald Trump waves as he boards Air Force One after meeting with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A Florida man was convicted of murdering a friend after an argument over Donald Trump led to the man stabbing the victim to death, authorities say.
Donald Henry, 38, was convicted of second-degree murder and evidence tampering in the slaying of Shawn Popp, as reported by the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office. The incident took place on Oct. 22, 2022, at a residence in the 6000 block of SW Shores Avenue in Arcadia. According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, paramedics declared Popp dead at the scene, and police promptly apprehended Henry.
A witness reported to detectives that a group was at the house smoking marijuana when Henry and Popp got into an “argument over Donald Trump” while the suspect was sharpening a knife. The argument escalated, leading another witness to suggest they “take it outside,” the affidavit noted. Shortly thereafter, Henry pushed Popp against a sliding glass door and stabbed him in the chest.
“You stabbed me you son of a b—,” Popp said, per the affidavit.
Popp walked outside and across the street before he collapsed.
After being read his Miranda rights, Henry claimed self-defense. He stated that he and Popp began arguing about “Donald Trump filing for bankruptcy” while conversing in the living room. The complaint did not elaborate on the dispute further. Eventually, Popp left the home but returned, allegedly speaking to Henry “as if he were stupid,” according to Henry’s account to the police. Henry claimed Popp started hitting him in the face, prompting his “training” to take over, at which point he “hit Shawn once.”
When asked for clarification, Henry informed deputies he struck Popp with a kitchen knife. He explained that he stabbed Popp in the upper chest “because he was taught to stop the threat, similar to police officers,” the officers noted. He argued that fists should be regarded as “deadly weapons.” However, authorities found no injuries on Henry that would necessitate self-defense.
Henry was taken to the DeSoto County Jail where he has been ever since. His sentencing is scheduled for October.
