Merinda Henderson’s relatives say she feared her former boyfriend before police say he killed her.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A DeKalb County family is questioning whether more could have been done before a woman was fatally shot near her Stone Mountain home Sunday afternoon.
Police said 44-year-old Merinda Henderson was driving into her neighborhood on Martins Crossing Road when 46-year-old Jaworski Rainey, her former boyfriend, pulled beside her. Investigators said Rainey got out of his vehicle and shot her.
After the shooting, Henderson tried to flee but crashed nearby, police said. She died from her injuries. Officers later found Rainey at a home on Summit Lake Drive, arrested him and charged him with murder.
Henderson’s sister, Neisha Rougely-Render, said the family suspected Rainey when they learned Henderson had been shot. “I immediately knew who likely was responsible, and it was tragic,” Rougely-Render said.
Relatives said Henderson had reported stalking, unwanted visits and damage to her home before the shooting. Rougely-Render said Rainey had busted out every window at Henderson’s home and that Henderson had tried to get help through police reports.
The family said Henderson could not get a protective order. Rougely-Render said Henderson was told she lacked enough evidence because she and Rainey had not lived together, had not married and did not have children together.
Police have not released a detailed record of Henderson’s prior reports or said whether any earlier complaints were under review. Investigators also have not said what happened immediately before the shooting on Martins Crossing Road.
Rainey remains charged with murder as the investigation continues. Henderson’s family has started raising money for funeral costs in her memory.
Author note: Last updated May 21, 2026.