Daughter of Oconee County Murder Victim Says Arrest Brought Closure to her Heart

The 15-year-old daughter of murdered Waffle House waitress Misty Myrick is speaking out about her mother and the arrest of the accused killer.

"She was beautiful," said Tabitha Taylor, a rising sophmore at Oglethorpe County High School.  "She was generous and she was way too good for this to happen to her."

Officials with the Oconee County Sheriff's Office said at a news conference Saturday that Myrick died of a single gunshot wound to the back. Her body was found on the side of Simonton Bridge Road on May 29, less than an hour and a half after she left her shift at work. Talmadge Edward Powell, 78, of Lavista Road has been charged with Myrick's murder.

Speaking at the news conference, Taylor said she was relieved to learn of the arrest.

"This brought closure to my heart. My mama can finally rest in peace," she expressed. "I thank God for the all of the detectives, because they made it where my mama can actually rest in peace."

Taylor said she's not angry at Powell, a man whom she's never heard of or met.

"I just want to know why the person did what they did. I'm not mad at them for doing it.  I just want to know why," she pleaded.  "I want [my mom] to know that I love her and that this is gonna be really hard."

Keep up with the latest news through the free email newsletter, and watch for updates on Facebook and Twitter.