A stunned Roswell, Georgia, detective presented graphic details to an Atlanta judge regarding a defendant’s shocking admissions in a recent murder case.
Alleged killer Jeffery Hazelwood told Detective Jennifer Bennett he witnessed two 17-year-olds in the parking lot of a Publix supermarket in the early-morning hours of August 1, before inexplicably deciding to cut short the promising lives of both teenagers. Although, during these revelations, suspected killer Jeffery Hazelwood did not reveal a clear-cut motive for his crime.
However, in the end, Carter Davis and Natalie Henderson were both fatally shot in the head.
According to Bennet, Hazelwood began by stating he approached the teens’ vehicle when a startled Davis confronted his alleged killer in an attempt to protect himself and Henderson, per reports. Hazelwood then reportedly confessed to striking Davis with his gun and claimed to have shot the male teen out of fear.
Even more disturbingly, Hazelwood then forced a terrified Natalie Henderson out of the vehicle, making her remove all clothing, and proceeded to sexually assault her by hand. After the sexual attack, Hazelwood made his female victim place her hands on the car’s hood before spanking her and ending her life with a single gunshot to the head.
In the wake of her tragic death, Suhad Hussain, 17, a longtime friend of Henderson, remembered her for being a devoted member of the color guard, a non-musical, visual aspect of the marching band, and said Henderson loved showing her passion for the school.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported the following.
“Every Friday she’d cheer and scream until she lost her voice and I lost my hearing in one ear, no one could match her pride. Hussain also said Henderson shared her dreams of becoming an architect, what her wedding would look like and how her life might unfold.”
Meanwhile, Carter Davis was remembered by St. Martin Episcopal Church Headmaster Rev. Dr. James Hammer in the following manner.
“His smile was a warm hug that embraced the room. Although his life was cut short, everyone in his life will remember how he loved the Lord, loved everyone and told them often.”
A subsequent autopsy report released Thursday revealed the victims had been posed after their deaths, with Henderson resting in a “sexually suggestive” position and Davis’ arms spread out to each side.
Recently, Judge Karen Smith Woodson declared there was credible evidence to send the case to trial. Henderson now faces new charges of sexual assault, reports CBS affiliate WGCL . His previous charges included two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of felony murder, two counts of malice murder, one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, two counts of theft, and one count of identity fraud.
The identity fraud count stems from Hazelwood using Henderson’s credit card at a nearby gas station. Oddly, Hazelwood was seen wearing a Guy Fawkes mask at the service station.
Hazelwood apparently obtained the murder weapon by stealing a gun from his grandfather, who had recently asked the 20-year-old to leave his home. Reports indicate Hazelwood has a long history of mental illness. This was corroborated by his strange courtroom behavior per CBS 46 News .
“In court earlier in August, Hazelwood’s hands were shaking constantly and he looked around oddly at the court ceiling. At one point he was making a stroking movement like he was petting an animal in his lap.”
Hazelwood’s attorneys stated Friday that their client has a long history of mental illness and has been diagnosed schizophrenic, bipolar, and has Asperger’s syndrome.
“This is about mental illness and he’s ill,” said attorney Lawrence Zimmerman.
Attorney Mike Jacobs said, “He’s in good spirits but there’s a long road ahead for him and he’s had a very troubled life and he’s had mental illness for a long time.”
If convicted, Hazelwood could face the death penalty.
[Photo by Brant Sanderlin/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/AP Images, Pool]