Decorated cop is shot dead by his neighbor during bizarre break-in
A decorated Atlanta police officer was fatally shot by his neighbor during a bizarre burglary incident.
Aubree Horton, 32, was discovered with gunshot wounds to his body when officers responded to an attempted burglary call on Oct. 4.
Horton had been an investigator with the Atlanta Police Department since 2015 and recently joined the fugitive unit.
A preliminary investigation revealed that Horton appeared to be in a “mental health condition or under the influence of narcotics” at the time of the incident when he was found at his neighbor’s home.
Aubree Horton, 32, was found with gunshot wounds to his body at his neighbor’s home after allegedly trying to break into the property
‘This person was able to enter the home and was confronted by the homeowner.
‘The homeowner shot this person in his home in self-defense. The shot was fatal and the subject died at the scene,” the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.
Authorities further discovered that the officer had been used live within walking distance of where the shooting occurred in the 8000 block of Orkney Way near St. Andrews Golf Club.
It remains unclear why Horton tried to enter his neighbor’s home.
Authorities discovered the officer had been deployed live within walking distance of where the shooting occurred in the 8000 block of Orkney Way near St. Andrews Golf Club. In the photo: the house where the incident took place
A preliminary investigation found that Horton appeared to be having a “mental health episode or under the influence of narcotics” at the time of the incident.
Atlanta police confirmed in a statement that they are working with the Sheriff’s Office to determine what happened.
“We are working closely with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to learn more about what happened during the investigation into the incident,” officials said Fox News.
Since news of his death emerged, friends and acquaintances of Horton have taken to social media to remember the young officer.
Cindy Todd, the mother of one of his friends, took to Facebook to share a long message tribute about Horton.
Days before his death, Horton had been named “Investigator of the Year” at the Atlanta Police Foundation’s annual Crime is Toast ceremony.
Atlanta police confirmed in a statement that they are working with the Sheriff’s Office to determine what happened
“You’ll hear a lot about this young man in the news and comments that portray him in a negative light, but my son knew him well, and I believe Zack is a good judge of character,” he wrote.
“They played football together at UWG, where they met and became brothers who forged an everlasting friendship.
“Together at a job fair, they both committed to a career in law enforcement and accepted offers from APD, where they worked together for a few years. Their children are around the same age, so as fathers they have had some good times together.
“Clay Horton was a groomsman at Zack’s wedding, and he was ALWAYS respectful, thoughtful, and hilarious!
“He was a kind soul who felt too deeply and sometimes got lost in his emotions, but he loved everyone and was devoted to his friends and family – especially his young son. Rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus, Clay!’
It remains unclear why Horton tried to force his way into his neighbor’s home
Days before his death, Horton had been named “Investigator of the Year” at the Atlanta Police Foundation’s annual Crime is Toast ceremony.
He was recognized for his work in connection with the 2023 disappearance and death of a Gwinnett County man.
In a video presentation during the awards ceremony, the researcher said: “I thought the family deserved justice.
“That’s what I like to do in police work now: lock down people like Leondre’s family, so that those people have their day in court and are brought to justice.”