Tamla Horsford case updates: What has changed since her 2018 death?
What happened to the Tamla Horsford case? The authorities ruled the 40-year-old American woman's death accidental, but her family and close friends have been pushing for a reopening of the case, claiming it was an alleged murder. As of 2025, no arrests have been made in connection with the case.
Source: Twitter
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Tamla Horsford died in 2018 during an overnight party in Georgia.
- Her death was ruled accidental from a fall due to alcohol intoxication.
- She had a blood alcohol level of 0.238 and traces of anxiety pills.
- Tamla's family suspects foul play and pushed for a reinvestigation.
- Conflicting autopsy findings and witness statements fueled suspicion.
- She was the only Black woman at the party, raising concerns about bias.
- A second autopsy showed injuries not fully explained by a fall.
- Public pressure grew in 2020 during the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
- Over 700,000 people signed a petition demanding justice.
- As of 2025, the case remains closed with no arrests made.
Tamla Horsford's profile summary
| Full name | Tamla Horsford |
| Age | 40 (at the time of death) |
| Year of birth | 1978 |
| Died | November 3rd, 2018 |
| Cause of death | Accidental fall from the balcony |
| Marital status | Married |
| Husband | Leander |
| Children | 5 |
What happened in Tamla Horsford's case?
Tamla Horsford's case was officially closed on February 20, 2019, and was ruled an accidental death. Initially, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) stated that the multiple blunt force injuries she incurred came from Tamla's fall from the balcony following ''acute ethanol intoxication.''
Horsford's family, through the Georgie Bureau of Investigation (GBI), carried out a separate autopsy that revealed that Tamla Horsford's injuries included abrasions on her face, wrist, and legs. She also had a laceration on her right ventricle.
According to the GBI's toxicology report, Tamla's blood alcohol level was 238, and revealed traces of anxiety drugs like Alprazolam. The family lawyer, Ralph Fernandez, cited that the injuries and mismatched witness statements pointed to an alleged murder.
While officially closing the case, Major Joe Perkins of the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office stated that none of Horsford's injuries suggested foul play. However, Horsford's family wants the case reopened and investigations conducted afresh.
Tamla Horsford's story
Source: Twitter
Tamla Horsford was invited to a slumber party alongside a group of football moms to celebrate Jeane Meyer's birthday on November 3rd, 2018. The 40-year-old mother of 6 arrived at around 8:30 pm and changed into white onesie pyjamas covered in paw prints as she planned to spend the night.
Meyer's boyfriend, Jose Barrerra, and Tom Smith, the husband of another attendee, watched football in the basement as they waited for their spouses. Being the only smoker at the party, Tamla occasionally stepped out to the balcony for a cigarette. She was also drinking tequila. At around 11:30 pm, guests started leaving, and those who were spending the night proceeded to bed.
According to witness interviews, Tamla remained awake after Meyers and Barrera went to bed at around 1:30 am. Bridget Fuller was the last person to see her after being picked up by her husband at 1:47 am. Tamla shared her intention to smoke one more cigarette and head to bed. The security system recorded the back door opening, closing, then opening for the last time at 1:57 am.
The next morning, at around 8:45 am, Meyers' aunt, who lived at the house, headed to the kitchen and saw Horsford lying face down on the grass, not moving. She shared what she had seen with Meyers, and they called 911 just before 9 am. Tamla Horsford was pronounced dead at the scene.
How did Tamla Horsford die?
Tamla's death saw conflicting reports and allegations flood the online space. While the authorities ruled it an accident, some sources claimed that there was foul play, seeing as she was the only black person at the party.
The reports also raised numerous questions about the alleged fall that nobody noticed, and how it caused the severe injuries. Tamla left behind her husband, five biological sons, and one from her husband's previous relationship.
The case sparked public attention again in 2020 when over 700k individuals signed a petition demanding justice and accountability for the case as part of the #BlackLivesMatter campaign. Celebrities like 50 Cent and TI lent their voice to the call.
Frequently asked questions
- Who was Tamla Horsford? Tamla Horsford was a 40-year-old football mom who died mysteriously in November 2018 at a friend's birthday party.
- Who killed Tamla Horsford? Tamla's family believe that Tamla's death was the result of murder, although no one was arrested in connection with the same.
- What were Tamla Horsford's injuries? Tamla Horsford's injuries included abrasions on her face, legs, and wrist.
- Was anyone charged in Tamla Horsford's case? No. According to police reports, Tamla Horsford's death was due to an accidental fall.
- Was Tamla Horsford intoxicated at the time of her death? Yes. The toxicology report disclosed an alcohol level of 238 in her blood.
Final thoughts
The death of Tamla Horsford triggered massive attention and emotion, mostly due to the public mistrust of the ruling and lingering unanswered questions. However, despite the ambiguity surrounding the matter, the case remains closed until new evidence emerges.
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