The Georgia Bureau of Investigation concluded its inquiry into the death of Tamla Horsford, a Black woman who sustained fatal injuries while attending an adult slumber party in Nov. 2018. The bureau, which agreed to investigate the case in July 2020, says it will not pursue criminal charges. 

“The DA review determined the facts and investigative findings do not support pursuit and prosecution of criminal charges,” GBI spokesperson Nelly Miles said.

Horsford, 40, died while attending a slumber party with a group of white women at a home in Forsyth County on Nov. 3, 2018, as Blavity previously reported.

The group, which consisted of 11 other adults, engaged in “heavy drinking,” played cards and watched football games during the gathering, Forsyth County News reported. 

Witnesses say around 2 a.m. the following morning, they saw the wife and mother of five on the deck alone where she smoked a cigarette. One of the witnesses said they found Horsford’s motionless body lying face down in the backyard and called 911 immediately. Investigators said she fell 14 feet from the deck. 

The GBI Medical Examiners report found she sustained “severe injuries” to her torso, head and neck and a laceration to her heart, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. According to a toxicology report, Horsford also had drugs and alcohol in her system.

Many, including members of Horsford’s family, don't think her death was accidental, but instead believe she was killed, WSB-TV reported. 

“I’m not saying it wasn’t an accident, but I am saying it was a coverup,” her husband, Lee said.

“I’m saying they made it look like something else…I just want the truth to come out,” he continued. 

Her best friend Michelle Graves was in disbelief that Tamla sustained fatal injuries from simply falling off the deck.

“It’s impossible to get the injuries that she had from one fall,” Graves said.  

Tamla's death received national attention in 2020 when people carried her name on signs during protests in Forsyth County adamant that justice was not served. Celebrities like 50 Cent and T.I. even took to social media to spread awareness about her death and to demand a new investigation after Forsyth County ruled her death an accident, E! Online reported.

Despite public skepticism, GBI officials say the investigation found that evidence “overwhelmingly indicated [Tamla] died as a result of a tragic accident,” Forsyth County News reported.  

The bureau sent its findings to the office of Forsyth County District Attorney Penny Penn who agreed with GBI officials and stated criminal charges will not be filed in this case. 

“There was no evidence that anyone else was responsible for Mrs. Horsford’s death or that foul play was in any way involved. Therefore, that concludes this office’s involvement in the matter,” Penn said.

Tamla Horsford