Vigil Planned as Community Mourns Victims of Henry County Mass Shooting
In the wake of a tragic mass shooting that claimed the lives of four individuals in Henry County, Georgia, the grief-stricken community is coming together to mourn their loss. Described as one of the saddest times in the town’s 150-year history, residents of the small Hampton subdivision will gather at Terry Jones Depot Park for a vigil on Monday night at 7:30 p.m.
The four victims have been identified as 66-year-old Shirley Leavitt, her husband 67-year-old Scott Leavitt, 65-year-old Steve Blizzard, and 66-year-old Ron Jeffers. They were all residents of the peaceful Dogwood Lakes subdivision, where the unimaginable tragedy unfolded on Saturday.
The sense of shock and sadness that has overcome the community is palpable. Hampton City Manager Alex Cohilas expressed the community’s disbelief, stating, We had no idea that tragedy would befall this tranquil and peaceful community. Yesterday will certainly go down as one of the saddest in the 150-year history of this city. We tragically lost four citizens, and this community is grieving.
Pinecrest Baptist Church, where Ron Jeffers attended services, dedicated their Sunday services to praying for his family and remembering his kindness and compassion. An associate pastor, Jody Wentz, led the congregation in a heartfelt prayer, asking for God’s grace to be poured upon the grieving family.
Neighbors, such as Larry Pritchard, described the shooting as a devastating blow, particularly poignant as he and Steve Blizzard were fellow veterans. They would often exchange friendly waves as they crossed paths. Indeed, the impact of this tragedy reaches far beyond the immediate victims, affecting the entire community and reminding them of the fragility of human life.
Members of the community remain in disbelief as they struggle to comprehend the horrific events that unfolded on that fateful day. Frankie Worth, who was present in the Dogwood Lakes neighborhood at the time of the shooting, reflects on the fear and tension he experienced. He recalls hearing a single shot, causing him to instinctively jump back, fearing for his own safety. Worth witnessed the calm demeanor of the shooter, intensifying the chilling nature of the event.
However, there is a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. The Henry County Sheriff, Reginald B. Scandrett, announced on Sunday that the manhunt for the suspect, Andre Longmore, had come to an end. In a definitive statement, Sheriff Scandrett stated, The monster is dead, providing some semblance of closure to the shattered community.
As the community prepares to gather for the upcoming vigil, it serves as a poignant reminder of the power of solidarity and support during times of tragedy. This unified gathering aims to commemorate the lives lost, console grieving families, and provide strength to a community that is grappling with profound grief and loss. Through their shared grief, this close-knit community will find solace and lean on one another for support, reminding us all of the indomitable spirit of humanity in the face of darkness.
