A decorated Atlanta police officer was fatally shot by his neighbor during a bizarre break-in incident.
Aubree Horton, 32, was discovered with gunshots to his body when officers responded to call of an attempted burglary on October 4.
Horton had been an investigator with the Atlanta Police Department since 2015 and most recently joined the Fugitive Unit.
A preliminary investigation has revealed that Horton appeared to be experiencing a ‘mental health episode or under the influence of narcotics’ at the time of the incident when he was found in his neighbor’s home.
Aubree Horton, 32, was found with gunshots to his body in his neighbor’s home after allegedly attempting to break into the property
‘This individual was able to make his way into the residence and was confronted by the homeowner.
‘The homeowner, acting in self-defense, shot this person inside his residence. The shot was fatal and the individual died at the scene, ‘ the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.
Authorities further discovered the officer used live at a walking distance from where the shooting took place in the 8000 block of Orkney Way near the St. Andrews Golf Club.
It remains unclear why Horton tried to enter his neighbor’s house.
Authorities discovered the officer used live at a walking distance from where the shooting took place in the 8000 block of Orkney Way near the St. Andrews Golf Club. Pictured: The house where the incident occurred
A preliminary investigation has revealed that Horton appeared to be experiencing a ‘mental health episode or under the influence of narcotics’ at the time of the incident.
The Atlanta Police Department have 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 occurred as they investigate the incident,’ officials told Fox News.
Since news emerged of his death, friends and acquaintances of Horton have taken to social media to remember the young cop.
Cindy Todd, one of his friend’s mother took to Facebook to share a lengthy tribute about Horton.
Days before his death, Horton had been awarded ‘Investigator of the Year’ at the Atlanta Police Foundation’s annual Crime is Toast ceremony
The Atlanta Police Department have confirmed in a statement that they are working with the Sheriff’s Office to determine what happened
‘You’re going to hear a lot in the news and comments about this young man that present him in a negative light, but my son knew him well, and I believe Zack to be a good judge of character,’ he wrote.
‘They played football together at UWG where they met and became brothers forging a forever friendship.
‘Together at a job fair, they both committed to careers in law enforcement and accepted offers from APD where they worked together for a few years. Their children are close in age, so they’ve shared some good times together being dads.
‘Clay Horton was a groomsman in Zack’s wedding, and he was ALWAYS respectful, considerate, and hilarious!
‘He was a kind soul who felt too deeply and sometimes became lost in his emotions, but he loved everyone and was committed to his friends and family—-especially his little boy. Rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus, Clay!’
It remains unclear why Horton tried to enter his neighbor’s house
Days before his death, Horton had been awarded ‘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 investigator said: ‘I felt that family deserved justice.
‘That’s what I like to do in police work now is bring closure to people like Leondre’s family so those people have their day in court and face justice.’
