Roswell double murder suspect pleads guilty but mentally ill
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - A man accused of murdering two Roswell teenagers last August pleaded guilty but mentally ill on all charges during a court appearance on Wednesday.
20-year-old Jeffery Hazelwood was sentenced to life without parole during the hearing. Court officials asked Hazelwood several times if he understood the plea he was about to enter.
Hazelwood will serve life sentences without parole on multiple charges, followed by 40 or more years and probation for life.
On Tuesday, a Fulton County judge ruled that Hazelwood is competent to stand trial, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office confirmed Tuesday.
RELATED: Memorial services for teens murdered in Roswell
A status hearing was held in April for Hazelwood, who, police say, followed Natalie Henderson and Carter Davis, both 17, behind the Publix on Woodstock Road and shot them to death.
WATCH THE MOMENT HAZELWOOD PLEADED GUILTY BUT MENTALLY ILL
RELATED: Psychologist: Man accused of killing Roswell teens OK to stand trial
During the hearing, Dr. Christian Hildreth, a psychologist with Central State Hospital, said he believes Hazelwood is competent to stand trial.
Dr. Hildreth testified that Hazelwood had a long history of mental health problems, for which, he had received some sort of treatment since the age of three.
READ: Court documents reveal more about investigation into Roswell teen murders
Hazelwood is charged with two counts each of murder, aggravated assault, and theft by taking. He’s also charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony as well as financial transaction card fraud, which investigators said stems from the use of Henderson’s debit card.
RELATED: Roswell chief speaks; Suspect in teens' murders denied bond