Plans to learn the nature of the animal that has been terrorizing Henry County were thwarted today with the death of Leslie-Ann Jenkins. The fifteen-year-old girl was the only survivor of a violent attack by what is now dubbed the Henry County Horror. The attack claimed the lives of her parents, Thurmond and Shirley Jenkins three nights ago. Police happened upon the bloody campsite while searching for a large 'dog-like' creature that was seen running from the home of suspected serial killer Alexander Holt.

Holt was arrested on suspicion of murder and kidnapping on August 6th. Police found the dismembered and cannibalized remains of local resident Bonnie Hand in Holt's basement, along with items belonging to Angela Stilton, Saretta Lewis, Jamie Anderson, and Henrietta Bolsom, who had all been reported missing in Macon, Ga. earlier this year. Holt killed himself while in police custody, but two nights ago, a large animal destroyed several rooms in the house before breaking out a window and escaping into the woods. Police had speculated that the elderly Holt may have had an accomplice to the kidnappings, but now it appears that that accomplice is not human, and is still at large. Sheriff's officers discovered the Jenkins' campsite early on the morning of August 11th, and Leslie-Ann was found the next day.

Yesterday, three sheriff's officers Rodney Deams, Danny Evers, and Joe McKinney were murdered inside Holt's house, literally torn apart by the animal that is believed to have been a pet...possibly an exotic and dangerous pet... kept by Holt.

"If it was some kind of pet, it may consider the house to be it's territory and anyone intruding on it to be a threat," said Sheriff Robert Cook yesterday.

Today, Cook stressed that the police are taking every means possible end the reign of terror.

"This is just an animal or animals... wild and possibly rabid. We've got animal control involved to the extent of their ability, and now we've brought in professionals to help us track this animal down. We've got men out there right now as I speak, with many more on the way. I feel confident that we can handle this quickly and with no further threat to the citizens of Henry County."

Many citizens of Henry County have already had enough.

"We're leaving," said Bill Holman, who lives near the Holt residence. He, his wife, and their two children are heading out of town to stay with friends. "I've got kids; I can't have them in a situation like this. I'm sure the police can handle this thing, whatever it is, but I'm not gonna wait around while they do it. It's just a matter of safety. And common sense."

Holman was not alone. Residents have been leaving the county in a steady stream, however there has also been an influx of hunters and animal experts who have come to aid in the efforts, as well as curiosity-seekers drawn by the strange string of events.

"We've got sightseers and thrill-seekers coming in," said Cook. "We aren't stopping them... we haven't closed off the roads. But if they become a problem we will have to take measures. This whole area may very quickly become a crime scene. So I'm asking that unless you are a resident, a member of the press, or you were specifically contacted by the Sheriff's office to come in and help with the hunt, that you please remain out of the area until this thing is sorted out."

So far, Cook's words have had no effect on the influx of curious onlookers. Nor have his reassurances assuaged the frightened residents who continue to leave their homes in search of safer ground.