On March 17, 2024, at approximately 5:00 a.m., a tragic incident unfolded at the Cook Out restaurant located on Sunset Road in northwest Charlotte, North Carolina. During the early morning hours, an altercation erupted between two employees, 26-year-old Jaselyn Lanae Horne and 20-year-old Malek Crosby, reportedly over cleaning duties as the restaurant was closing. The dispute escalated, culminating in Crosby fatally shooting Horne multiple times inside the establishment.
Emergency responders pronounced Horne dead at the scene.
Following the incident, Crosby fled the scene but was apprehended the next day by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Violent Criminal Apprehension Team. He was charged with first-degree murder and taken into custody.
On October 24, 2024, Crosby pleaded guilty to the murder of his co-worker, acknowledging his role in the tragic event. The court sentenced him to a maximum of 17 years in prison for the crime.
Jaselyn Horne, born on December 26, 1997, was a dedicated mother to her five-year-old son, Seven. Family members remember her as a hardworking individual who took pride in providing for her child. Her untimely death has left a profound void in the lives of her loved ones and has sparked discussions about workplace safety and the importance of conflict resolution in professional settings.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community has come together to support Horne's family, particularly her young son, as they navigate the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the need for effective communication and intervention strategies to prevent such occurrences in the future.
