Service Today for 2 Little East Texas Girls

MABANK – Two girls, ages 7 and 5, are remembered at a funeral service today after Henderson County authorities say they were killed by their mother. Friends and neighbors gathered Friday night to comfort each other and celebrate the sisters’ lives. Sarah Nicole Henderson, 29, of Mabank, is charged with one count of capital murder. A second capital murder charge is pending. She remains in Henderson County Jail under suicide watch. Her bond is $2 million. Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said, during an interview with investigators, she confessed to shooting the girls. Investigators say the mother had planned the girls’ deaths weeks in advance.

Sheriff Hillhouse said around 11:30 Wednesday night, EMS contacted the sheriff’s department asking for assistance regarding a possible suicidal female at a residence outside of Payne Springs. A man and a woman told deputies they were fine and no one was in danger or jeopardy. Shortly before 2:30 Thursday morning, a man called 911 to report at woman had shot her children. Deputies found the little girls dead at the scene.