In the late summer of 2023, James Tyler White, a 30-year-old Black / African American man, returned to Greensboro, North Carolina, the city of his birth. Having moved to Tampa, Florida, with his family years ago, he was contemplating a permanent move back to the area, testing the waters to see if it was the right place for his future. Known to his loved ones for his magnetic, larger-than-life personality, he was a man who, according to his family, never met a stranger and would quickly introduce new acquaintances as his friends. His maternal grandmother had affectionately nicknamed him "Smiley," a testament to his warm and open nature. White's love for life was centered around his faith, family, and friends, and he had a passion for animals, nature, sports, and motorcycles.
The morning of Monday, September 18, 2023, brought a grim discovery that would cut his life short.
Around 7:45 a.m., Greensboro police responded to a call on the 1700 block of Luray Drive, near Florida Street. In the backyard of a residence, they found James White suffering from life-threatening injuries. Despite the efforts of first responders, he did not survive. Investigators later confirmed he had been shot, and his death was ruled a homicide. Neighbors in the area would later recall hearing several gunshots the night before while watching football, the vibrations from the weapon palpable. The incident left the neighborhood unsettled, with some residents expressing a desire to move their families due to concerns about crime in the area.
The initial phase of the investigation yielded no immediate suspects, leaving a void of answers for White’s grieving family. For months, his mother, Regena Brown, and their loved ones grappled with the unanswered questions surrounding the murder of her youngest son. She described the time as extremely difficult, emphasizing the close bond she shared with him. A memorial service was held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Phillips Funeral Service Chapel, where family and friends gathered to honor a life remembered for its lovingkindness and acts of service. White left behind a young son, Cameron, who his grandmother described as a "gift of love that keeps on giving" and a blessing that keeps a piece of his father alive.
For five months, the Greensboro Police Department pursued leads in the case. Then, on February 15, 2024, a breakthrough came with the arrest of 24-year-old Kaleb Deaundre Horton. The arrest brought a measure of relief to James Tyler White's family, a sign that justice might be served. His mother, Regena Brown, expressed her feelings, stating, "From my standpoint, it's a sigh of relief. It means that possibly justice will be served in the death of Tyler."
Kaleb Horton was charged with first-degree murder and is being held in jail without bond. The case against him is now proceeding through the legal system. For the family of James Tyler White, the arrest marked a significant step in a long and painful journey. They continue to cherish the memory of a man who loved his family, people, and the holidays, holding onto the piece of him that remains in his son, to whom they can tell stories of the man his father was. The investigation, which began with a tragic discovery on a September morning, has now moved into the halls of justice, where the final chapter of this story will be written.
