Assistant Chief Emma Mae Horton

Emma Mae Horton

Assistant Chief Emma Horton was shot and killed by her brother-in-law, who was also an officer with the department after he became enraged over a scheduling conflict.

She had stopped by his home in the morning to talk with her sister and niece. The suspect ordered Assistant Chief Horton out of the home and then immediately shot her in the buttocks with a department-issued shotgun. She was able to seek concealment in a bathroom and call for help but the officer began shooting through the door with two department-issued .40 caliber handguns.

Assistant Chief Horton was shot a total of 14 times and transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. She never drew her own weapon during the incident.

The officer was arrested several minutes later by responding officers and deputies. In October 2002 he was acquitted by a jury after it was deceived into believing the officer fired in self-defense.

Assistant Chief Horton had served with the Goodman Police Department for five years.