Father of murdered Roswell teen: 'Her spirit's working'

ROSWELL, Ga — Tuesday marks one year since the murder of two Roswell teenagers. Natalie Henderson and Carter Davis, both 17, were shot and killed behind a grocery store.

At a recent dog adoption event at a Petsmart near the store and Roswell High, where Natalie was going into her senior year, her family talked openly for the first time and only to Channel 2 Action News.

“She was open-hearted and she loved dogs loved placing these dogs with families,” said father Tad Henderson.

Natalie volunteered with Companion Animal Connection starting at age 13.

The group’s founder Fran Heffern says she remembers all the happy memories, “That’s what I hold onto. Because if there’s anything I’ve learned from this family, it’s grace,” she said.

Henderson’s younger sister also still volunteers with the organization.

“She really did impact a lot of people and I’m really, really happy that so many dogs are getting adopted because of her, because I know that’s what she would have wanted,” said Rachel Henderson.

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One year after Natalie’s death, the Henderson family and the rescue group announced the creation of an award for teens and groups, recognizing volunteerism. Each year they’ll give three prizes of $500 each to go to their charity. They’re calling it “Natalie’s Spirit”.

"Her spirit's working," said her father Tad.

Henderson and Davis were murdered August 1 of 2016.

Their confessed killer Jeffrey Hazelwood was sentenced in May after pleading guilty, but mentally ill. He’ll spend the rest of his life in prison, without the possibility of parole.

“The culprit is where he’s supposed to be, so we’re happy with that process,” said Natalie’s father.

He says the family will spend the anniversary of Natalie’s death doing something she loved. They’ll be traveling overseas on a family vacation.

“I’m kind of ambivalent about it,” he said. “Now it’s about celebrating Natalie’s life.”

If you'd like to donate in honor of Natalie's memory, click here.

Cox Media Group