
Aubree Horton, a decorated officer with the Atlanta Police Department, was fatally shot while allegedly trying to break into a neighbor’s home in Winston, Georgia, on Friday morning. The nine-year veteran, recognized as “Investigator of the Year,” confronted the homeowner after entering the residence around 5 a.m.
According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies, the homeowner acted in self-defense when Horton entered the property uninvited. Capt. John Mauney confirmed that the homeowner produced a firearm in response to the intrusion. Preliminary reports suggest that Horton may have been facing a mental health crisis or may have been under the influence of drugs during the incident.
The shooting has left the local community in shock, with residents expressing disbelief over the event’s occurrence in their typically peaceful neighborhood. “It’s right here in your neighborhood and a golfing community and a place where you really think this would never happen,” one neighbor noted.
Horton was known for his dedication to service, having recently received accolades for his investigative work, particularly in solving a complex case involving a missing young man. His efforts led to three arrests in connection with the discovery of the victim’s remains.
Horton’s tragic death serves as a reminder of the complexities faced by law enforcement officers, including the challenges of mental health and substance abuse.