A probe into the suspicious death of a Black mom at a majority white adult slumber party has determined that no one will face criminal charges.
Tamla Horsford, a wife and mother of five was found dead in the backyard of a Cumming, Georgia, home in November 2018. Investigators ruled that her death was caused by an accidental fall from the back deck of a home where she was attending an adult sleepover. At least 11 other adults were in attendance that night, where they all watched the LSU-Alabama football game, drank heavily, and played card games. Witnesses told authorities that Horsford went to the back deck to smoke a cigarette around 2:00 a.m. Her body was found later that morning.
According to the medical examiner report, Horsford suffered “severe injuries” to her head, neck, and torso and a laceration to her heart. Despite the extensive injuries, her death was still ruled an accidental fall, which her husband, Lee Horsford, vehemently denies. He believes that there is a “coverup” taking place.
For years, Horsford’s loved ones and activists have called for a more thorough investigation into what occurred on that fateful night. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office was criticized early on for allegedly trying to downplay the death and calling it an accident before the autopsy was back.
Unfortunately, the GBI has stated that their findings “do not support pursuit and prosecution of criminal charges.”
Forsyth County District Attorney Penny Penn also confirmed that no charges would be filed.
“There was no evidence that anyone else was responsible for Mrs. Horsford’s death or that foul play was in any way involved,” Penn stated.
