Marchelle Freeman, 60, was shot to death at her Columbus home on the 1700 block of East Sycamore Street on March 21, 2024. Police responded to a late-night call about 11:30 PM; officers found Freeman with a gunshot wound and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect is 64-year-old Stewart Butler, described as Freeman’s boyfriend. Butler at first told police he acted in self-defense but later told detectives he shot Freeman after an argument. Court records say the couple were involved in a heated exchange during which Freeman allegedly kicked and poked Butler, and he then retrieved a firearm and fired one shot; he said he did not realize she had been hit until she collapsed. Butler has been charged with murder and is being held in the Franklin County jail pending further proceedings.

Anyone who knew Marchelle Freeman or who has information about the incident is asked to come forward.