Friends, Family Remember Four Killed in Liberty Shooting

Some carried signs, others photographs, but all brought fond memories of four family members who were killed in a mysterious shooting at two Liberty homes on Friday.

Hundreds gathered at the football stadium at the old Liberty High School Wednesday night to remember their friends and family in a candlelight vigil.

Mark Wayne Hendricks, 52, Marshall Wayne Hendricks, 20, Matthew Wayne Hendricks, 23, and Linda Ann Burns, 64, were found dead in their homes on Pinedale street in Liberty early Friday morning. 

"We're here for all the victims to remember what great guys they were," Suzie Chappell of Easley said as tears rolled down her cheeks. Chappell said she remembered her brother, Mark, as a hard working farmer who loved his family.

"He was a simple man, a farmer, and he loved those boys," Chappell said.

People slowly filled the stadium as the sun began to set. Before heading down to the football field they gathered and shared memories of the boys, their father, and their grandmother.

"Marshall was a great guy, he was always smiling," Kelsie Brewer said. "The last thing I heard him tell me was that he loved me."

Brewer, who was dating Marshall Hendricks, had been at the home where Marshall was living the night before he and the others were found dead. Brewer said everything seemed fine when she left around 10:30 p.m.

"It was just me and his daddy and his brother — it was just a happy family."

Matthew's aunt said the last time she spoke to her nephew, he was excited to start his own welding business. 

"We were talking about getting his business cards," Chappell said. "Matt did not do this."

Chappell described two brothers who were close with each other and their father. Despite speculation that the shootings were a murder/suicide at the hands of the older brother, Matthew, Chappell said there was no way he was capable of doing such a thing.

"Those boys loved their daddy," Chappell said. "This is just devastating."

Once the sun had set, participants in the vigil formed a semi-circle on the football field as the song 'Amazing Grace' played over loud speakers. Once they were gathered on the field they began to light candles in the strong, cold wind as Rev. John Creech read Psalm 23.

Next, Brewer read a message to the boyfriend she loved, and lost:

"People spend their entire lives trying to find that special 'someone,' that one person that can make life seem as though it is a beautiful dream. Marshall, you were my beautiful dream. You were that 'someone' that God had blessed me with. I will never be able to thank you enough for the love you gave me. I've had a lot of dreams in my life. The difference between this one and others, though, is that not only was it beautiful but also it's a dream I never have to wake up from. If you're listening to me tonight, Marshall, only you would understand- Guitar, Dr. Pepper, Horeshoe. I will always love you."

After Brewer's message, participants released green balloons into the brisk, fall night.

Investigators have still not determined exactly what happened that morning at the Hendricks' two homes. Three of the deaths have been ruled homicides and one remains under investigation.