Rachel Free Murder-Suicide in Lawrenceville, R GA: Gwinnett County Mother Named as Victim in Domestic-Related Death

 Officials in Gwinnett County are looking into what they are calling a suspected murder-suicide after a man and a woman were discovered deceased in a residence on Wednesday morning.

As per Gwinnett County Police, officers were dispatched to reports of a shooting within a domestic setting shortly past 9:41 a.m. in the 600 block of Clearwater Place. Upon arrival, the officers found two individuals lifeless in a bedroom of the house.

Investigators have confirmed that the deceased were a woman and a man, each with gunshot injuries. A weapon was found at the scene.

The woman has been identified as Rachel Free, who was portrayed by family and friends as a treasured mother and supportive friend. Authorities indicated that the shooting seemed to be a domestic incident involving two people familiar with one another.

Cpl. Ryan Winderweedle from the Gwinnett County Police Department mentioned that officers “discovered a male and female deceased in a bedroom” and stressed that “this appears to be an isolated occurrence between two individuals who were acquainted.”

A friend of the family informed reporters that Free had planned to move out on Wednesday, coinciding with the day of the incident, following the end of a long-term relationship. The friend characterized the couple’s 20-year association as tumultuous, highlighting that Rachel had recently secured a new residence and was ready to embark on a new phase of her life.

Law enforcement suspects that the man shot and killed Free prior to ending his own life. The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office arrived at the location to aid in the investigation process.

Authorities have yet to disclose the identity of the male individual, and it is still uncertain if anyone else was present in the house when officers arrived.

Investigators are not looking for any other suspects, reiterating that the incident is categorized as a domestic-related murder-suicide.

Residents in the serene neighborhood described the situation as tragic, expressing their disbelief regarding the loss of a woman widely recognized as kind and dedicated to her children.

Police are encouraging anyone who may have further details to reach out to Gwinnett County Police investigators at (770) 513-5300. Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at (404) 577-TIPS (8477).