Dajha Richards, a 19-year-old from Sacramento, California, tragically lost her life on January 8, 2019. The incident occurred in South Sacramento, where she was fatally shot by her boyfriend, Damion Horton. The shooting took place on Orchard Woods Circle, near the intersection of Power Inn and Gerber roads. According to reports, Richards was shot in the chest and was found clinging to life by her 12-year-old brother, who immediately called 911. Despite being able to identify Horton as her assailant to the responding deputies, Richards succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital.
The investigation revealed a history of domestic violence between Richards and Horton. Horton, who was 20 years old at the time, had a prior conviction for attempted robbery in 2016. On the day of the incident, Horton fled the scene, leaving behind Richards, their four-month-old son, and her brother. He turned himself in more than 24 hours later, but the firearm used in the shooting was never recovered. During the investigation, it was discovered that Horton's friends and family had been hiding him from the authorities. His mother, Yolanda Smith, was arrested for being an accessory after the fact and for violating her parole.
In September 2021, Horton was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder, discharging a firearm causing death, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The court proceedings highlighted the tumultuous and abusive nature of the relationship between Richards and Horton. On March 18, 2022, Horton was sentenced to 76 years to life in prison for his crimes. The case underscored the severe consequences of domestic violence and the tragic loss of a young life.
