Tamla Horsford

Case Information:

Tamla Horsford was a 40-year-old mother of five when she died in Cumming, Georgia on November 4, 2018. She was attending a birthday sleepover at a home on Woodlet Court with a group of friends.

Known as a devoted “football mom,” Tamla was described as the life of the party throughout the evening. Her body was discovered face-down in the backyard the following morning by the homeowners.

Case Details:

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office initially ruled her death an accident. They concluded she fell 17 feet from the home’s back deck due to intoxication.

Tamla’s family and attorney, Ralph Fernandez, have long disputed this theory. They point to conflicting witness statements and injuries they believe are more consistent with a struggle than a fall.

Timeline of Events:

Tamla Horsford arrived at the party around 8:30 p.m. on November 3, 2018. Security logs show the back door was accessed several times between 1:49 a.m. and 1:57 a.m. the following morning.

Her body was discovered at 8:30 a.m., but 911 was not called until 8:59 a.m. This nearly 30-minute delay has remained a significant point of concern for her family and digital advocates.

Investigation:

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) performed a second autopsy. This report confirmed severe blunt force trauma and a high blood alcohol level of .238.

Despite the controversy surrounding a guest accessing the case file, the GBI closed its review in 2021. They stated there was no evidence of foul play and maintained the accidental ruling.

Community Response:

The case sparked the #JusticeForTamla movement, which drew national attention to the investigation. Activists have questioned if race played a role in how the scene was initially processed.

Vigils and protests have been held across Georgia to demand transparency. The community continues to push for a federal review to ensure “no stone is left unturned.”

Family Statements:

Tamla’s husband, Leander Horsford, has stated he does not believe the truth has been told. He and other relatives continue to fight for an independent, federal investigation into the night’s events.

Her sister-in-law, Teri Blanco, highlighted that Tamla was always careful and fit. The family remains committed to seeking a full forensic re-evaluation of the evidence discovered in the backyard.

Physical Appearance:

Tamla was a Black woman with a medium build and a vibrant smile. On the night she died, she was wearing a gray “Football Mom” sweatshirt and a distinctive Dalmatian-print pajama onesie.

She was 5’9″ tall and known for her active lifestyle and dedication to her five sons. Images of her from football games are frequently used to remind the public of the woman behind the headlines.

Current Status:

As of April 19, 2026, the manner of death remains officially classified as an accident. While the Georgia Bureau of Investigation case is closed, it remains open in the court of public opinion.

Advocates continue to petition the U.S. Department of Justice for a civil rights inquiry. The legacy of Tamla Horsford remains a powerful example of the impact of grassroots investigative advocacy.

Contact Information:

If you have any new information regarding this case, please contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-597-TIPS. You can also contact the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office or submit a tip to the FBI.

---