4 people killed one year ago in Hampton remembered at special ceremony

HAMPTON, Ga. - The City of Hampton held a ceremony on Monday to remember the four people who were killed one year ago in the Dogwood Lakes community.

Scott Leavitt, 67, and his wife, 68-year-old Shirley Leavitt, 65-year-old Steve Blizzard, and 66-year-old Ronald Jeffers were allegedly killed by 40-year-old Andre Longmore for unknown reasons.

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Longmore was then killed almost 24 hours later during a gun battle in Clayton County with police officers. Three officers were injured during the encounter.

Those police officers were honored last week at Hampton City Hall for their heroic efforts.

Samantha Blizzard, Steve's daughter, told FOX 5 she still can't believe her father is no longer with her.

"Sometimes it still doesn't feel real. But then I see moments like this where I see the city recognizing the event and reality comes crashing back down," she explained. "The neighbors come and talk to us all the time. They check in on us. We get checked in on by Chief Bowe and by the mayor. It's been a wonderful experience moving into this community."

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The memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Monday at the East Hampton Community Park. Officials said they would be planting a willow tree, Steve Blizzard's favorite tree, in his honor.

Each family was able to select a tree to be planted at the park. The memorial will be placed at the East Hampton Community Park. The mayor says they hope to have it completed in a year. 

"It made us realize how important life is and not these small things that we sometimes bicker about," said Mayor Ann Tarpley. "It really made us appreciate each other."