KILLEEN, Texas — A Texas family is advocating for domestic violence awareness after their daughter was murdered on July 22. Killeen Police confirmed the incident was a murder-suicide.
Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson pronounced the victims, Ta'nesha Sedwich, 28, and Walter Sedwich, 29, dead at 8:46 p.m. and 8:48 p.m. respectively. Two of their dogs were also shot and killed.
John Haywood, Ta'nesha's father, says his girl was the youngest of four and had a heart of gold.
"That smile lit up the room," Haywood said.
Leading up to the events, Haywood told 6 News he knew Ta'nesha and Walter Sedwich had gotten into an argument the week prior. Never did he expect for his daughter to lose her life.
"I just can't believe this happened," Haywood said. "I'm angry because I see pictures of them together with the dog and everything. They're happy. I don't know why he did that. I'm not going to get her hugs or kisses anymore. I will never get over it."
Ta'nesha's aunt, Stephanie Washington, thinks about her niece every morning and every night.
"Ta'nesha Dee Haywood was an angel," Washington said. "He took away an angel."
Washington is a survivor of domestic violence herself.
"My mom was too," Washington said. "We all survived, you hear about other families that went through it, but now this is in our yard."
The family understands it can be hard to come forward.
"We don't know if we're going to go back," Washington added. "We want to be able to love that person."
The family is urging people to speak up before it's too late.
"Please do not assume that your mom and dad are going to get mad and you'll get in trouble," Haywood told 6 News. "Please say something. If they hit you, if they curse you out or whatever, get out. It's not worth it."
For those listening, it's best to be patient and give grace.
"Judgement-free zone," Washington said. "Console them each time they come back and encourage them to leave in a safe way."
Even though 28-year-old Ta'nesha Dee Haywood is gone, her legacy will live on. Her smile and heart can't be forgotten.
You can reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-7233.
There are also the following local agencies:
Aware Central Texas
Killeen Location: 2408 S. Clear Creek Rd. Ste. 201 | Killeen, TX 76549 | 254.213.2986
Temple Location: 212 W Adams Ave | Temple, TX 76501| 254.939.7582
Waco
Family Abuse Center
Advocacy Center For Crime Victims & Children
Temple
Families In Crisis Inc
http://familiesincrisis.net/, 254-634-1184
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