In a tragic turn of events on a warm August evening in Douglasville, Georgia, a family dispute escalated into a violent and fatal encounter. Douglas Keith Henn, a 59-year-old Caucasian male, was killed on August 7, 2016, in his home on Lake Hollow Court. The man responsible for his death was his 25-year-old step-grandson, Patrick Canada, who lived with Henn and his grandmother, Pamela Lynn Henn.
The incident began with a verbal argument between Henn and Canada. The dispute quickly turned physical when Canada stabbed his step-grandfather with a set of car keys. Following this initial assault, Canada went to the basement to retrieve an AK-47 rifle. In a desperate attempt to de-escalate the situation and protect himself and his wife, Henn locked Canada in the basement and called 911. However, Canada managed to break through the door and opened fire on his step-grandfather, shooting him five times. Despite Henn's attempts to flee, Canada pursued him and delivered a final, fatal shot to the head.
After killing his step-grandfather, Canada turned his rage on his grandmother, Pamela Lynn Henn. He found her hiding in a closet and shot her with a 9mm handgun. He then subjected her to further abuse by dragging her through the house by her hair and pushing her down the stairs. The first police officer to arrive, Thomas Lee Altman, was immediately confronted by Canada, who was armed and standing in the bloody foyer. An exchange of gunfire ensued between the two, during which Officer Altman's weapon malfunctioned. As Altman retreated to his patrol car to get a rifle, he saw Pamela Henn escape from the rear of the house with multiple gunshot wounds. Canada then exited through the same door and was taken into custody by Officer Altman without further incident.
Following his arrest, Patrick Canada was charged with malice murder, felony murder, kidnapping, and multiple counts of aggravated assault, including aggravated assault on a peace officer. While in jail, he attempted to take his own life but was saved by officers. In May 2022, Canada pleaded guilty to malice murder and two counts of aggravated assault. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. The District Attorney's office noted the profound and lasting impact of the tragic events on the victims and their family.
