In the late summer of 2015, the life of a young mother in South Bend, Indiana, was tragically cut short, leaving a community in mourning and a family searching for answers. Shasta Horston, a 25-year-old Black female, was found deceased in her home on Yukon Street on Friday, August 14, 2015. The St. Joseph County Coroner's Office later confirmed that her death was a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds.
A graduate of Clay High School and Regency Cosmetology School, she was working as a beautician at Fiesta Beauty Salon at the time of her death.
The heart-wrenching discovery was made by family members who became concerned after not hearing from her. Tragically, when they entered her home, they found that Shasta’s four-year-old son had been there with his mother's body, telling visitors that his mommy was sleeping. The little boy was physically unharmed and was placed in the care of his father and grandmother. Family and friends, reeling from the shock and grief, gathered for an emotional vigil outside her home, remembering her as a sweet and smiling person.
In the wake of the homicide, investigators with the Metro Homicide Unit identified a person of interest they wished to speak with regarding the case: 25-year-old Tonell Jhakkar Williams, who was described as Horston's boyfriend. While authorities sought to interview him, he was not immediately located. About a month after the discovery of Shasta's body, Williams was arrested on unrelated charges. He was questioned about Shasta's murder during his incarceration but was ultimately released.
Despite the initial focus on a person of interest, no arrests have been made in connection with Shasta Horston's murder, and the case has grown cold over the years. Law enforcement officials have continued to seek information from the public, and the case has been featured in local 'Michiana Unsolved' segments, highlighting the ongoing quest for justice. The community and Shasta's loved ones continue to hope that one day, those responsible for her violent death will be brought to justice, finally providing closure for a family shattered by loss.
