
Aubree Horton, an off-duty officer from the Atlanta Police Department, was fatally shot in a neighbor’s home in Winston, Georgia, early Friday morning. The nine-year veteran, recently honored as “Investigator of the Year,” reportedly attempted to break into the residence when he was confronted by the homeowner.
The incident unfolded around 5 a.m. when the Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an attempted burglary call. According to officials, Horton entered the home and was shot by the homeowner, who acted in self-defense. Capt. John Mauney indicated that Horton might have been experiencing a mental health episode or was under the influence of drugs during the event.
Residents of the neighborhood expressed shock at the violence. One neighbor remarked on the unlikelihood of such an event in their peaceful community, saying, “This ain’t what you see out here.” Horton lived just half a mile from where the shooting occurred, intensifying the community’s grief.
Horton had been awarded “Investigator of the Year” for his work on a complex missing person case involving Leondre Flynt. His dedication to law enforcement and the community was evident, and his untimely death has left a significant impact.
As investigations continue, concerns about mental health and substance abuse within law enforcement have come to the forefront, highlighting the challenges faced by officers in their line of duty.