A 20-year-old University of Tennessee dancer was found stabbed to death inside a house in Martin on May 12, along with a male who was also stabbed multiple times.
Decora Alexander of South Fulton was discovered by Obion County Sheriff’s Office deputies after they entered the home of Tony Markee Mosley, 29.
Family members told deputies that Mosley had come to the door covered in blood but went back inside, reported WZTV. As officers attempted to gain access to the house, Mosley opened the door before collapsing.
Officers soon found the body of Alexander, who was a dancer for the basketball team and studying health and human performance at the University of Tennessee at Martin.
“Although Decora was young, she had a strong positive influence on all of her teammates,” Skyhawk head dance coach Jessi Woody said in a statement, confirming the death. “She was always working to be a better dancer and wanted to see her teammates grow and succeed with her. She will be greatly missed both on and off the court.”
The university said that Alexander graduated from Union City High School before attending the university.
Mosley survived and was rushed to a nearby hospital with critical injuries. He is now in stable condition, reported WZTV.
The sheriff’s department had not announced any arrest or charges as of Sunday, reported WPSD.
Alexander’s family told the broadcaster that Mosley was Alexander’s ex-boyfriend and they weren’t sure why she was at the home. They disclosed that she had a restraining order against Mosley. The family alleged that Mosley has a mental illness.
We’re working to find out if any arrests have been made in the death of this 20-year-old Decora Alexander. Alexander was found dead, Saturday night, inside a home in Obion County, Tennessee. https://t.co/tDE2wY4G2s
— Stefanie Martinez (@SMartinezWPSD) May 13, 2019
Terika Cole grew up with Decora Alexander – she was her baby cousin. She says her family knew her as “peaches” because she was the sweetest girl you could ever meet.
At 10, hear more on how Cole is trying to cope with this tragic loss. pic.twitter.com/TbIG5c87TT
— Pauline Fitzgerald (@PFitzgeraldWPSD) May 13, 2019
A friend of Alexander told her family that they dropped her off at the house. At 8:30 p.m., that friend posted on Facebook, writing: “Has anyone heard from DeCora Alexander???????”
“Nobody deserves to be viciously, viciously attacked and brutalized as she was. “She ever got a chance to be a grandmother, you know? Terika Cole, Alexander’s cousin, told WPSD.
“She was robbed, she was robbed from opportunities, he took life from her. God is the one that gives and takes lives but it was not her time for life to be taken away from her. He robbed her, he robbed her of her family.”
Leshia Taylor, Alexander’s sister, said she created a Facebook page titled “Peaches Style With a Smile,” in honor of her sister. She said that the death was from “domestic violence.”
“We are starting this movement in honor of our loved one Decora Alexander. She was a victim of domestic violence and ultimately lost her life. We want to spread knowledge to our community to women young & old about how to avoid situations as such,” she wrote.
Taylor started a GoFundMe fundraiser, asking for money for Alexander’s funeral.
Reactions
A number of people reacted online to the sudden death, with some posting on Facebook.
“What a waste.. She’s so young and vibrant. May God wrap His loving arm’s around all who loved her and comfort then as only HE can. Rest In Peace, Sweetheart! You will always be a angel among us,” wrote one user.
“So sad. Praying for family and friends during this very sad time,” added another.
“Heartbreaking! Such a tragedy. Prayers for all who loved her,” added another.
“She loved everyone on the dance team she was so excited to join,” added another.
