In loving memory — Sakeena Khaadi
FARGO, N.D. — The Cass County community is reeling after authorities identified the victim in a devastating shooting that occurred early Wednesday morning in Horace. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the victim as 23-year-old Sakeena Khaadi, a young woman described by loved ones as bright, compassionate, and full of promise. Sheriff Jesse Jahner officially released her name during a Thursday morning press conference, expressing his condolences to the family and urging the public to keep them in their thoughts during this painful time.
A Life Cut Tragically Short
According to investigators, deputies were dispatched to a residence in Horace around 6:15 a.m. Wednesday following reports of gunfire. When law enforcement arrived, they discovered Sakeena Khaadi suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving measures administered at the scene and during transport, she was later pronounced dead.
Authorities have not yet released details surrounding the circumstances that led to the shooting, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. Sheriff Jahner confirmed that detectives are following multiple leads and have spoken with several individuals believed to have been in contact with Khaadi prior to the incident.
“Sakeena’s death is a profound loss,” Jahner said. “She was a young woman with her whole life ahead of her. Our hearts are with her family and everyone who knew her as we continue to pursue justice in this case.”
An Ongoing Investigation
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation and local law enforcement agencies, continues to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting. Investigators spent much of Wednesday and Thursday collecting forensic evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and conducting interviews with neighbors and potential witnesses.
At this time, officials have not publicly confirmed whether a suspect has been identified or taken into custody. Sheriff Jahner assured the community that investigators are “working tirelessly” to bring clarity and accountability to the tragedy.
“This is an active and complex investigation,” he said. “We’re committed to ensuring that every piece of evidence is carefully examined and that the truth comes to light.”
Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the case — no matter how insignificant it may seem — to contact the Cass County Sheriff’s Office or submit anonymous tips through Red River Regional Dispatch.
Remembering Sakeena
Friends and family have begun to share tributes to Sakeena on social media, remembering her for her kindness, determination, and the warmth she brought to everyone around her.
“She had a smile that could brighten even the darkest room,” wrote one close friend. “Sakeena was the kind of person who lifted everyone else up — she was pure light.”
A former classmate described her as ambitious and caring, with dreams of building a successful career and one day starting a family. “She talked a lot about making a difference,” the classmate recalled. “It’s so unfair that her chance to do that was stolen.”
Community members in Horace and the greater Fargo area have begun organizing candlelight vigils and fundraisers to honor Sakeena’s memory and support her grieving family with funeral expenses.
Community in Mourning
The tragedy has shaken residents of Horace, a small but close-knit community located just southwest of Fargo. Neighbors say the shooting has left them stunned and searching for answers in a place where violent crime is rare.
“We’re not used to things like this happening here,” one resident said. “It’s heartbreaking — a young life gone, a family destroyed. Everyone’s just trying to come together to support them.”
Local leaders echoed that sentiment, emphasizing unity and compassion during a difficult time. “We may not be able to undo what happened,” said a city official, “but we can make sure Sakeena’s family knows they’re not alone.”
Seeking Justice and Healing
While details surrounding the shooting remain limited, investigators have made it clear that the search for justice is far from over. Sheriff Jahner emphasized that his office is fully dedicated to finding the person or persons responsible for Sakeena’s death and holding them accountable.
“As a department, we stand with Sakeena’s family,” Jahner said. “We will not rest until the individual responsible is brought to justice. This young woman deserves that — her family deserves that — and this community deserves that.”
Counseling services are being made available for community members impacted by the tragedy, and local advocacy groups are working to provide support for victims of violence.
A Legacy of Light
As the investigation continues, those who knew Sakeena Khaadi are focusing on preserving her memory — not for how she died, but for how she lived. Her loved ones describe her as vibrant, selfless, and deeply devoted to her friends and family.
“She loved hard, she laughed often, and she cared deeply about people,” one relative shared. “She had so much to give the world. We’ll carry her light with us always.”
A public memorial service is being planned in Fargo, where friends, family, and community members will gather to celebrate her life and reflect on the impact she made in just 23 short years.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office continues to ask anyone with information about the fatal shooting to come forward. As the community mourns, one thing is certain — Sakeena Khaadi’s life mattered, and her memory will remain etched in the hearts of those who loved her
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