A Memphis woman is in custody on a first-degree murder charge after police say she brutally killed 3-year-old Kevin Horton, a child his family describes as joyful, energetic, and deeply loved. The boy’s relatives say they want his story to be known so the community recognizes the horror of what happened and remembers the little boy behind the headlines.
Video shared with FOX13 shows Kevin smiling and playing on a swing with his cousin, a carefree moment now unbearably painful for those who knew him. Memphis Police say his life ended during the early morning hours inside a home on Beacon Hills Road in Frayser.
Officers responded to a 911 call around 3 a.m. When they arrived, Kevin was unresponsive. First responders quickly determined he had already died. At the time, he was in the care of his father’s girlfriend, 23-year-old Dominica Mosby.
Kevin’s father, Keith Horton, said he arrived at the home to find fire crews and paramedics already inside. “I go in there to see my son, he’s ice cold, he’s purple. He had been dead,” he said. Mosby initially told investigators that Kevin had arrived from his aunt’s house feeling unwell. His aunt, Jasmine Reece, said that the claim was a lie.
“He was never sick. That was just a story she told to get her story together,” she said. The medical examiner’s report revealed details that stunned even seasoned investigators. Kevin had been tortured. His injuries included a lacerated liver, internal bleeding, burns on his ear and genitals, and extensive bruising across his body.
Kevin’s grandmother, Teresa Horton, said the family is devastated. “We loved him. I loved him like he was mine,” she said. According to police, Mosby confessed on Sunday. She admitted burning Kevin’s ear with a cigarette, which caused him to urinate on the floor. From there, investigators say the abuse escalated. Mosby said she burned him with a lighter, slapped and punched him, and finally stomped on his small body.
She told police she believed Kevin was already dead when she went to sleep Friday night. Mosby now faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse. She is being held without bond.
Kevin’s family plans to speak publicly about the child they lost, hoping the community will understand the gravity of the tragedy. They have created a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses.
The case has shaken Memphis, raising painful questions about child safety and the responsibility of caretakers. As the investigation continues, Kevin’s family is focused on honoring his life and seeking justice.
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