The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hazelwood says he’s not getting meds
Slaying suspect diagnosed with mental illnesses.
The man accused of killing two teenagers behind a Roswell supermarket isn’t regularly getting his medications while in jail, he told a Fulton County judge Thursday morning.
During a brief status hearing, Judge Shawn LaGrua asked double-murder suspect Jeffrey Hazelwood whether he is receiving his medications while in jail. Hazelwood has numerous mental illnesses, according to a previous attorney.
“It is not happening,” Hazelwood softly replied.
LaGrua said she will speak with the medical staff at the Fulton County jail, where Hazelwood has been held without bond since his August arrest. Attorney Lawrence Zimmerman, who initially represented Hazelwood, said the 20-year-old was previously diagnosed with schizophrenia, Asperger’s syndrome, multiple personality disorder and bipolar disorder.
Hazelwood is accused of shooting and killing Natalie Henderson and Carter Davis, both 17, early the morning of Aug. 1 behind a Publix store, according to Roswell police. In October, a grand jury indicted Hazelwood on 15 counts, including murder, felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, aggravated sexual battery, financial transaction card theft, identity fraud, theft by taking and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
In November, Hazelwood pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in LaGrua’s courtroom.
Hazelwood is now being represented by Brad Gardner with the capital defenders office, though Fulton District Attorney Paul Howard has not decided whether he will seek the death penalty. Prior to Thursday’s hearing, LaGrua asked Gardner for an update on the status of the case. Gardner said he and prosecutors had exchanged discovery materials and the case was proceeding, and he hinted at a plea deal.
“We may be able to resolve this case,” Gardner told the judge.
Gardner declined to comment on the case after the hearing. The next status hearing is expected to be in January.