Warning: This article includes details that some readers may find distressing.
The shocking footage capturing the final moments of an off-duty Atlanta police officer before he was fatally shot has deeply disturbed viewers online.
Last Friday (October 4), Aubree Horton was shot and killed while allegedly attempting to break into a residence in Winston, approximately 30 miles from Atlanta, USA.
The incident was recorded by the homeowner’s Ring doorbell camera, showing Horton, shirtless, running around the property, shouting, and banging on the door.
During this time, Horton was heard speaking incoherently to himself, making statements that included pleas for death and asking for salvation from Jesus.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office reported that Horton was killed sometime after 5:08 a.m. after being seen by the homeowner’s wife, who contacted 911 while en route to work.
She reportedly received notifications from her camera of Horton moving around on her property.
Tragically, Horton is said to have forced entry into the home, leading to the homeowner shooting him fatally before police could arrive.
Horton had been a member of the Atlanta Police Department since 2015.
He was assigned to the Fugitive Unit and was recognized as ‘Investigator of the Year’ at the 2024 Atlanta Police Foundation’s annual Crime is Toast event.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office released a portion of the doorbell camera footage, depicting Horton in an apparent state of distress.
In the video, Horton can be heard calling out ‘Jesus’ and ‘help me,’ followed by the statement ‘I’m home’ as he neared the door. He then slammed his body against the door twice, uttering, “No, kill me.”
As he sat down, the homeowner attempted to talk to him through the door.
Horton then expressed, ‘I love you’ and ‘just kill me,’ before lying down, then getting up once more to approach the door.
The sheriff’s office explained that when the homeowner slightly opened the door, Horton forced his way inside, knocking the homeowner down, which prompted the homeowner to shoot him in self-defense.
The office stated: “Fearing for his life and in defense of his home, the homeowner discharged a single round from his firearm, fatally wounding Horton inside his home.”
Investigators noted that Horton resided within walking distance of the location where he died.
The sheriff’s office indicated in an initial report on October 5 that Horton ‘appeared on video to be experiencing a mental health episode or under the influence of narcotics.’
Completing a toxicology report and collecting evidence regarding the events of that morning could take several months.
Despite the homeowner shooting and killing the off-duty officer, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office conveyed confidence that no charges would be filed against him.
Viewers of the video expressed their shock with one commenting: “Dude was going through something for sure. Almost like he was being chased by demons and they got exactly the outcome they wanted…”
Another viewer remarked: “It’s a heartbreaking scene, and witnessing such moments is very difficult.”