Candlelight vigil held for man who died in Fletcher police custody

Candlelight flickered across the faces of those gathered. Some stood somberly while others joined in on an impromptu rendition of Amazing Grace. Though God was the primary topic of discussion, Christopher Hensley was on everyone's mind.

His picture stood at the front of the picnic patio, flanked by flowers.

The vigil was held on the night of June 24 at Seasons at Cane Creek, the apartment complex where Hensley lived with this wife and two children and died in police custody. The vigil was organized by Hensley's family, some of whom had traveled from Alabama for the vigil and to help Hensley's wife.

"He was a really good father, a husband and a son of God," neighbor Zane McGinnis said.

Neighbors from Seasons at Cane Creek came out to express their sympathies to the family and to remember the man many said they knew well.

"He left a lasting impression on people's hearts and memories, and he always gave a helping hand. Many of the neighbors can speak on that. I know he's helped me out multiple times. He definitely helped out other neighbors. Chris was really good with his hands, with cars as well. He did a lot of remodeling of vehicles, fixing them up and things like that. He was just a very smart, caring individual," McGinnis said.

Another neighbor said she watched Hensley's death, and it changed her life forever.

Close family friends and family members spoke of Hensley's natural talent to pick up any skill, the lasting impressions he made on people's lives, his willingness to help people out in their time of need and, above all, his devotion to God.

Hensley's family did not wish to comment at this time.

Michael Hall, executive director of Our City Works USA, a religious nonprofit that aims to implement valuable life skills through young adult mentorships, and a close family friend of the Hensleys, was asked to speak at the vigil by the family.

"It's good to see that people can do this and then not be a bunch of mess as you see in other states," he said. "Yeah, we'll move forward greater."