Kelia Olivia Horton, a 22-year-old African American woman, tragically lost her life on May 7, 2021, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Horton, an active-duty soldier stationed at Fort Bragg, was shot outside a home in broad daylight. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m., and when officers arrived on the scene, Horton was found suffering from a gunshot wound.
She was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The suspect in the case, 26-year-old Tiara Nicole Vinson, also an African American woman and an active-duty soldier at Fort Bragg, was charged with first-degree murder and discharging a firearm into occupied property. The shooting was not a random act, as both Horton and Vinson were acquainted with each other. The investigation revealed that the motive behind the shooting was related to a romantic relationship. Vinson had a previous relationship with a man who was currently in a relationship with Horton. On the day of the incident, Vinson drove up to the residence where Horton was in her car and began shooting.
Vinson was arrested and held without bond at the Cumberland County Detention Center. She has not yet entered a plea to the charges, and it is unclear if she has retained an attorney. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with Fort Bragg officials working closely with local law enforcement and the criminal investigation division. Horton's family described her as a sweet and giving person who loved serving her country. She was a mother of two children and was remembered fondly by her family and friends.
