Off-Duty Atlanta Officer Shot While Breaking Into Neighbor’s Home

A tragic incident unfolded in Winston, Georgia, where off-duty Atlanta police officer Aubree Horton was fatally shot early Friday morning while allegedly attempting to break into a neighbor’s home. Horton, a decorated officer with nine years of service, was confronted by the homeowner, leading to a deadly confrontation.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the scene around 5 a.m. after receiving reports of an attempted burglary. According to officials, Horton entered the residence through the front door, prompting the homeowner to act in self-defense. Capt. John Mauney stated, “When he gained entrance, the homeowner produced a firearm in self-defense and shot the individual.”

Preliminary investigations suggest that Horton may have been experiencing a mental health crisis or was under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident. This shocking event occurred just a half-mile from Horton’s home, leaving local residents in disbelief.

“I’ve lived here for five years, and I can promise you, this ain’t what you see out here,” said neighbor Milton Johnston. Another resident remarked on the unusual nature of the event, noting, “It’s right here in your neighborhood and a golfing community and a place where you really think this would never happen.”

Horton had recently received the “Investigator of the Year” award at the Atlanta Police Department’s Crime is Toast event on September 24 for his work on a high-profile missing person case. This award recognized his efforts in solving the case of 21-year-old Leondre Flynt, whose remains were discovered in July, resulting in three arrests.