MOULTRIE, Ga. (WALB) — A Colquitt County woman is dead after investigators said she was killed by her boyfriend on April 14. Friends of Heather Bates are speaking out as more details come to light about her death.

According to the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Bates was killed by her boyfriend, Kendrick Clark. Friends said they struggled to believe the news when they first heard it.

“I first got a call that morning. I kept asking, is it the right Heather? I was very distraught, very numb,” said LaChara Herring, Bates’ friend.

Another friend of Bates said she will always remember the kind of person Bates was.

“Heather. To be remembered as the sweet individual she was. And 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,” said Tearesa Chastain.

According to the CCSO report, Bates 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, where she was pronounced dead.

When the sheriff’s office arrived at the home where Bates was found unconscious, deputies said Clark told them that Bates was inside before he ran off toward the back of the property, according to an incident report.

Clark was later apprehended in the Berlin area, according to CCSO.

He was charged with murder and aggravated assault in connection with Bates’ death.

CCSO said Clark has a history of arrests relating to aggravated assault dating back to 2011. Chastain and Herring said they saw their friend go through an abusive situation.

“Verbally abused. Physically abused. Emotionally, you can really tell... the emotional damage that took place,” Herring said.

Resources are available for those experiencing domestic violence, including the Serenity House in Moultrie or the national hotline at 800-799-7233.

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