North Carolina SBI completes investigation into crash that killed state trooper

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. — The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has completed its investigation into the crash that killed a state trooper.

In January, Trooper John Horton had pulled over a driver in Rutherford County. John’s brother and fellow trooper, James Horton, later responded to his brother’s call for backup during the traffic stop.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Community honors NC trooper who was hit, killed by brother during traffic stop
• North Carolina trooper hits, kills trooper brother, detained driver while responding to traffic stop
• PHOTOS: Trooper John Horton Procession
• ‘A loving heart’: GoFundMe created for family of man killed in NC trooper collision
• ‘Hard to fathom’: Family, friends say final goodbye to NC trooper

As James was approaching the scene, a crash report said he lost control of his patrol vehicle and slammed into John and the driver who was detained, Dusty Beck. John and Beck were both killed.

The SBI’s case was handed over to the district attorney in Rutherford County in June to determine if charges will be filed.

No other details have been released.

(WATCH BELOW: Community honors NC trooper who was hit, killed by brother during traffic stop)

Community honors NC trooper who was hit, killed by brother during traffic stop

©2022 Cox Media Group