Douglas County, Ga – Decorated “officer of the year”, Aubree Horton was fatally shot while allegedly attempting to break into his neighbor’s home, according to local officials.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning in a residential neighborhood in Winston, in the St. Andrews Country Club neighborhood.
Authorities say that off-duty, Horton, was attempting to forcibly enter a home when the homeowner, fearing for their safety, opened fire and shot Horton.
Douglas County Sheriff Tim Pounds described the scene after deputies responded to a burglary call:
“On an attempted burglary, we understand that an individual attempted to gain entry into the residence. Once inside, the homeowner produced a firearm in self-defense and shot the individual. At this time, the individual is deceased.”
Capt. John Mauney told Fox 5 Atlanta:
“When he gained entrance, the homeowner produced a firearm in self-defense and shot the individual.”
The homeowner, whose identity has not been released, is cooperating with investigators. Under Georgia’s “Stand Your Ground” law, individuals have the right to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves in their homes if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death, bodily injury, or a forcible felony.
According to officials, Horton, who lived about a half mile away from the home he entered, may have been experiencing a mental health episode or was under the influence of drugs during the break-in.
Neighbor, Milton Johnston said about the incident: “I’ve lived here for five years, and I can promise you, this ain’t what you see out here.”
Another neighbor said: “It’s right here in your neighborhood and a golfing community and a place where you really think this would never happen.”
Horton had been with the Atlanta Police Department for the past 9 years, assigned to the Fugitive Unit.
Late last month, Horton was named “Officer of the Year” at the ADP’s Crime is Toast awards breakfast. The accolades were received in connection to a missing person’s case Horton had been working. The case involved missing, 21-year-old Leondre Flynt, whose remains had been found, leading to the arrest of three people.
At the awards ceremony, Horton said about the case: “It was a big feather on my cap that the family got closure. They were able to hold someone accountable. That’s what I like to do in police work — bring closure to people.”
Many questions remain unanswered. The Atlanta Police Department in conjunction with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, has promised transparency throughout the process and asked for patience from the community as they work to understand the full circumstances of this unusual and tragic event.
The incident raises questions about mental health support for law enforcement officers and the stresses of the job. Police unions have called for increased resources for officer wellness programs in the past.
Sheriff Pounds continued in a statement: “This is an active investigation, and there are many details we’re still working to uncover. We are working closely with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to learn more about what occurred as they continue to investigate.”
Horton is survived by his wife, Jamaica Horton, and son, Carter Clay Horton.
