The Unseen Details: 5 Facts About Carter Davis And Natalie Henderson's Tragic Legacy

The names Carter Davis and Natalie Henderson are inextricably linked to a devastating tragedy that rocked the quiet community of Roswell, Georgia, on August 1, 2016. While the initial news reports focused on the shocking crime—the double homicide of two vibrant 17-year-olds behind a local Publix supermarket—the years since have shifted the narrative toward their enduring legacy and the finality of the criminal justice process. As of late 2025, the focus remains on how their families have channeled unimaginable grief into powerful advocacy and remembrance, ensuring the world remembers the promising lives that were stolen.

This article provides an in-depth look at the lives of Carter and Natalie, the resolution of the case against their killer, Jeffrey Hazelwood, and the ongoing efforts by their families to keep their spirits alive through scholarships, community work, and enduring love. The fresh perspective is not on the crime itself, but on the lasting impact and the strength of the Roswell community in the face of profound loss, offering a necessary update on where the case stands today.

Carter Davis and Natalie Henderson: A Complete Biography and Profile

The victims of the Roswell double homicide were two bright, ambitious teenagers with full lives ahead of them. They were rising seniors at separate high schools, each deeply involved in their communities and cherished by their friends and family. Their lives are remembered not for the manner of their death, but for the passion and joy they brought to the world.

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Carter James Davis (1998-2016)

• Full Name: Carter James Davis.
• Age: 17 years old at the time of his death.
• Hometown: Woodstock, Georgia.
• High School: River Ridge High School. He was a rising senior.
• Interests & Aspirations: Carter was a dedicated student-athlete who lived his life "ALL IN." He was a passionate lacrosse player, a sport he loved deeply. He held dreams of attending college to study engineering.
• Family: Survived by his mother, Michele Davis, who has become a prominent advocate in his honor.
• Funeral: A service was held at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Dunwoody, GA.

Natalie Nicole Henderson (1998-2016)

• Age: 17 years old at the time of her death.
• Hometown: Roswell, Georgia.
• High School: Roswell High School. She was a rising senior.
• Personality & Spirit: Natalie was widely described as a "free spirit" with a gorgeous smile. She was known for being smart, funny, sassy, and strong.
• Community Involvement: She was an active volunteer with the Companion Animal Connection, demonstrating a deep love for animals.
• Funeral: Her funeral service was held at Roswell Presbyterian Church.

Fact 1: The Finality of the Jeffrey Hazelwood Case and His Current Status

The case that brought the names Carter Davis and Natalie Henderson into the national spotlight reached a definitive resolution, providing a measure of closure for the families and the Roswell community. The man responsible for the killings, Jeffrey Hazelwood, was quickly apprehended following the August 1, 2016, crime.

Hazelwood was accused of killing the two teenagers behind the Publix supermarket on Highway 9 in Roswell, with both victims found with single gunshot wounds to the head.

The legal proceedings culminated in a plea deal that avoided a lengthy, emotionally draining trial. Jeffrey Hazelwood pleaded guilty but mentally ill to the murders. This plea was a critical development in the Fulton County court system, acknowledging his mental health issues while still holding him accountable for the capital crime.

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In a final sentencing that ensured he would never be free, Hazelwood was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. As of the current date, Jeffrey Hazelwood remains incarcerated, serving his life sentence, with no further appeals or legal proceedings actively challenging the conviction, cementing the final resolution of the case.

Fact 2: The Enduring Legacy Through the Carter Davis Scholarship Fund

In the wake of their son's murder, Carter Davis's family chose to honor his memory by establishing a foundation that reflects his passions and aspirations. The most prominent effort is the Carter Davis Scholarship Fund. This fund serves as a powerful testament to the life he lived, focusing on supporting future generations who share his drive and dreams.

Carter had ambitious plans to study engineering and continue playing lacrosse in college. The scholarship fund directly supports students who embody his spirit—those who demonstrate a commitment to academics, athletics (particularly lacrosse), and community involvement. This initiative ensures that Carter's name is associated not with tragedy, but with the positive encouragement and financial support of young people's educational futures. The fund is a tangible way the Davis family keeps his memory "ALL IN," a phrase that encapsulated his approach to life.

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The ongoing operation of the fund, sustained by annual fundraising efforts and community donations, is a key piece of the current narrative surrounding the case, highlighting the family's resilience and commitment to a positive legacy.

Fact 3: The Families' Shift from Grief to Advocacy and Remembrance

The lasting impact of the Roswell tragedy is perhaps best seen in the advocacy work undertaken by the victims' families, particularly Carter’s mother, Michele Davis. Her mission, starting almost immediately after the murder, has been to keep her son's spirit alive by helping others. This effort moves beyond simple remembrance, turning personal loss into a public force for good.

Michele Davis has become a prominent voice, often sharing her story to connect with other families affected by tragedy and to advocate for safer communities. This continuous work in the years following the 2016 event—often featured in local news during anniversaries—provides the freshest and most relevant update on the story.

Similarly, Natalie Henderson's family and friends have continued to honor her memory through her passion for animals, supporting organizations like the Companion Animal Connection where she volunteered. The collective efforts of both families have cemented a legacy of compassion, community service, and resilience, turning a moment of extreme darkness into an ongoing light for others.

Fact 4: The Shared Community Grief and the Power of the Vigil

The Roswell double homicide had a profound and immediate effect on the entire North Fulton County community. The tragedy unified people across school lines—River Ridge High School and Roswell High School—in shared grief.

In the days immediately following the murders, hundreds of students, family members, and community residents gathered for a vigil at Roswell Town Square to remember Natalie Henderson. This outpouring of support demonstrated the deep connections both teenagers had to their community and the shock the crime inflicted on the typically quiet suburb. The sheer volume of mourners who attended the services for both Carter and Natalie underscored the magnitude of the loss and the community’s need to process the event together.

The memory of the event continues to serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence, prompting ongoing conversations within the community about safety and mental health awareness, topics that remain highly relevant today.

Fact 5: Unseen Details—The Connection and the Location

While early reports often focused on the brutal nature of the crime, the more subtle details about the victims and the location provide a deeper understanding of the case. Both Carter Davis and Natalie Henderson were found lying on the asphalt between two vehicles in the rear parking lot of the Publix supermarket. The location, a common spot for teenagers to gather late at night, added a layer of familiarity and vulnerability to the tragedy.

Despite being from different high schools, the two teenagers were friends and were together at the time of the fatal encounter. Their connection was one of friendship, a detail that was sometimes overshadowed by the sensationalism of the crime itself. The fact that they were both found with "severe" wounds was later confirmed to be single gunshot wounds to the head, a detail released in the medical examiner's reports that confirmed the swift and violent nature of the attack.

Ultimately, the story of Carter Davis and Natalie Henderson is a story of two young lives full of potential, tragically cut short, whose legacy is now defined by the love of their families and the positive impact of the memorial funds and advocacy work they inspired.