Ashley Henry, a 6-year-old girl from Clayton, NC, tragically lost her life on March 12, 2007. The incident was part of a devastating double murder-suicide orchestrated by her father, Steven Henry. Alongside Ashley, her 4-year-old brother, Gregory Clay Henry, also perished in this tragic event. The family had been embroiled in a bitter custody battle, which culminated in this horrific act.
Steven Henry, 35, shot both of his children before turning the gun on himself.
The bodies of Steven, Ashley, and Gregory were discovered inside a car parked outside the home of Dawn Henry, Steven's estranged wife and the children's mother. Dawn Henry had contacted the Johnston County Sheriff's Office after noticing Steven's car in her driveway upon returning home. When deputies arrived at the scene, they found all three bodies inside the vehicle.
The community was left in shock by the incident, with neighbors expressing disbelief and sorrow over the tragic loss. Dawn Henry, who had been living in the house with her children for about six months, was taken to the Johnston County Sheriff's Office to speak with investigators. The investigation revealed that Steven Henry had been rarely seen outside his home and did not interact with anyone in his neighborhood.
This heart-wrenching event underscores the devastating impact of domestic disputes and the importance of addressing such issues before they escalate to violence. The loss of Ashley and Gregory Henry serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the need for support systems to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
