In a quiet North Memphis neighborhood, a long-standing friendship ended in sudden and unforeseen tragedy. Maurice Horton, a 74-year-old man, was visiting his close friend of many years, 82-year-old Roosevelt Hodge, at his home in the 2500 block of Hanwood on March 17, 2017. The visit took a fatal turn when Hodge, reportedly mistaking his friend for an intruder, discharged a firearm.
The single gunshot struck Horton, inflicting a critical injury.
Emergency services were called to the scene, and Horton was rushed to Regional One Medical Center in a desperate attempt to save his life. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he succumbed to his injuries three days later on March 20, 2017. The incident was a somber reminder of the devastating potential of a single moment of confusion.
In the immediate aftermath, there was some confusion in initial police reports, which mistakenly identified Hodge as the victim. This was quickly corrected. Authorities took Roosevelt Hodge into custody for questioning to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting. After a thorough investigation, the Memphis Police Department determined that the shooting was a tragic accident.
Investigators concluded that Hodge genuinely believed he was confronting a threat to his safety and did not recognize his long-time friend. Based on this finding of mistaken identity, no charges were filed against the elderly man. The case was closed without any arrests or progression to a trial, leaving the community to mourn the loss of a respected member and a friendship shattered by a fatal misunderstanding. Maurice Horton, a White / Caucasian male, was remembered by his loved ones as a dedicated deacon at his church and a skilled upholsterer.
