University of Tennessee Martin dance squad member found stabbed to death

Authorities are investigating the slaying of a University of Tennessee Martin student after she was found stabbed to death in a Union City apartment on Saturday evening.

The body of Decora Alexander, a 20-year-old health and human performance major and member of the UT Martin dance squad, was found at the home of 29-year-old Tony Markee Mosley around 6:30 p.m., the Obion County Sheriff's Office said in a release.

Deputies who were called to the address discovered family members of Mosley trying to force their way into his home. Responding officers learned that Mosley had come to the front door covered in blood but then retreated back into the home.

As deputies attempted to force their way into the residence, Mosley opened the door and proceeded to collapse from stab wounds and cuts to his own body. Officers then entered the house and discovered the deceased body of Alexander, who had suffered multiple stab wounds.

Mosley was rushed to Baptist Memorial Hospital in Union City in critical but stable condition before being transferred to another facility, the Jackson Sun reports.

Alexander was a member of the Skyhawk dance squad at UT Martin, which performed at the college's home basketball games. Her team confirmed her death in a Facebook post, writing, "You will forever be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family as they go through this unimaginable time."

Skyhawk head dance coach Jessi Woody said that despite Alexander's young age, "she had a strong positive influence on all of her teammates."

"She was always working to be a better dancer and wanted to see her teammates grow and succeed with her," Woody added. "She will be greatly missed both on and off the court."