Steven Freeman, 33, of Chicago, died on January 6, 2017 after a violent altercation in his home. He was found with multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities say the incident occurred during a heated argument with his long-time girlfriend, Mary Katherine Higdon, 24, a preschool aide.

Higdon was arrested the same day and charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Prosecutors presented testimony about a tumultuous relationship, frequent arguments and past physical violence, and witnesses who said Higdon had made threatening statements and claimed familiarity with firearms. The defense argued self-defense, presenting evidence of prior abuse and Battered Woman Syndrome.

After a trial that lasted more than a week and four hours of jury deliberation, the jury returned a not guilty verdict on all counts. Did anyone who knew Steven or Mary Katherine see signs of the conflict that led to this fatal confrontation?