The teens found dead behind a Georgia grocery store were shot in the head, the Medical Examiner said Tuesday evening, as police searched for answers in the double homicide.
The victims, identified as Natalie Henderson and Carter Davis, both 17, were found dead by a delivery driver behind a Publix supermarket in Roswell, shortly before 6 a.m. Monday, the Roswell Police Department said.
Roswell police told ABC News there were "indications...it was a relationship-based crime but that can’t be confirmed yet."
Police said detectives are reviewing surveillance video, looking for witnesses and following up on leads.
Natalie, a rising senior at Roswell High School, was "whip-smart, funny, sassy, and strong, a free spirit with a gorgeous smile that could make your day or your week," her mother told ABC News.
She was a lifeguard, in the school band, "a talented singer with a voice much bigger than her petite body, a guitar player, and a lover of animals who volunteered countless hours to animal rescue," her mother said. "Natalie had a loving heart and an infectious zest for life. Unusual for one so young, she had the courage to always be, unapologetically, herself."
Carter was a senior at River Ridge High School, where he "excelled in the classroom and was always willing to help out classmates," Principal B. Darrell Herring said in a letter to parents Monday.
"Carter was an energetic student who was known as a friend to all. He always came to class in a good mood and with a smile on his face," Herring said.
Carter played football and was also on the lacrosse team, where he "shined" Herring said. He aspired to play lacrosse in college.
“We all are devastated by this tragic news," said Barbara Jacoby, spokesperson for the Cherokee County School District which includes River Ridge High School. "Carter excelled in the classroom and on the field and will be greatly missed by many friends. He should be enjoying the first days of his senior year of high school, which is a special time for every child and family. Grief counselors are available on campus to assist students."
Publix spokeswoman Brenda Reid told ABC News that the company could not comment on an open investigation but added, "Our prayers and thoughts are with the family members of those two young people. We just pray for their peace of mind and recovery."
