Police say the suspect was arrested after a search that ended on Summit Lake Drive.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A 44-year-old woman was shot and killed Sunday afternoon as she drove into her Stone Mountain neighborhood, and her former boyfriend has been charged with murder, DeKalb County police said.
Investigators identified the victim as Merinda Henderson and the suspect as 46-year-old Jaworski Rainey. Police said the shooting happened on Martins Crossing Road after Rainey pulled up beside Henderson’s vehicle, got out and opened fire.
Henderson tried to get away after she was shot, police said. Her vehicle crashed nearby, and she died from her injuries. Officers later tracked Rainey to a home on Summit Lake Drive and took him into custody after a brief search.
Henderson’s family said the killing followed repeated fear and harassment after the breakup. Her sister, Neisha Rougely-Render, said Rainey had made unwanted visits, stalked Henderson and damaged her home. “Unfortunately, nothing was done in time for her to still be here,” Rougely-Render said.
Family members said Henderson had filed multiple reports with law enforcement but was unable to obtain a protective order. Rougely-Render said officials told Henderson she did not have enough evidence because she and Rainey did not live together, were not married and did not share children.
Authorities have not released the full timeline of the earlier reports or said which precincts handled them. Police also have not detailed what evidence led officers to Summit Lake Drive after the shooting.
Rainey faces a murder charge in Henderson’s death. The case remains active, and police have not announced additional charges or a court date.
Author note: Last updated May 21, 2026.