MOULTRIE, Ga. (WALB) - Friends and family gathered in Moultrie for a balloon release to honor the life of Heather Bates, who was killed on April 14.

According to an incident report from the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, Bates was killed by her boyfriend, Kendrick Clark. The report says she had visible injuries to her face, neck and shoulders consistent with possible blunt force trauma and strangulation. She was transported by EMS to Colquitt Regional Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.

Friends say her memory will never be forgotten.

“Heather, to be remembered as the sweet individual she was,” said Tearesa Chastain, a friend of Bates. “I want everybody to know that she is dancing in the sky with angels. She is a beautiful individual and I will never let her name leave my lips to the day I die.”

Those close to Bates say they hope her story becomes a way to help others and raise awareness about domestic violence, saying something like this should never have happened.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are resources available, including Serenity House in Moultrie or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.