Rachel Free Murder-Suicide in Lawrenceville, GA: Gwinnett County Mother Identified as Victim in Domestic Violence Incident

 Authorities in Gwinnett County are investigating what they are referring to as a probable murder-suicide after a man and woman were found deceased in a home on Wednesday morning.

According to the Gwinnett County Police, officers were called to the scene due to reports of a shooting in a domestic environment shortly after 9:41 a.m. in the 600 block of Clearwater Place. When they arrived, the officers discovered two bodies in a bedroom of the residence.

Investigators have verified that the victims were a male and female, both suffering from gunshot wounds. A firearm was located at the crime scene.

The woman has been identified as Rachel Free, remembered by her family and friends as a beloved mother and a supportive companion. Authorities noted that the shooting appeared to have been a domestic situation involving two individuals who knew each other.

Cpl. Ryan Winderweedle from the Gwinnett County Police Department stated that officers “found a man and woman dead in a bedroom” and emphasized that “this looks to be an isolated incident involving two individuals who were familiar with each other.”

A family friend told news outlets that Free had intended to move out on Wednesday, the same day as the incident, following the end of a long-term relationship. The friend described the couple’s two-decade relationship as troubled, pointing out that Rachel had recently obtained a new home and was poised to start a fresh chapter in her life.

Law enforcement believes that the man shot Free before taking his own life. The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office has reached the scene to assist in the investigation.

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the male victim, and it remains unclear if anyone else was in the home when the officers arrived.

Investigators are not searching for additional suspects, repeating that the case is classified as a domestic-related murder-suicide.

Residents of the quiet community labeled the incident as tragic, expressing disbelief over the loss of a woman who was widely seen as kind-hearted and devoted to her children.

Police are urging anyone with additional information to contact Gwinnett County Police investigators at (770) 513-5300. They also welcome anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at (404) 577-TIPS (8477).