In what was described as a tumultuous relationship of two decades, a woman's life was cut short in a tragic murder-suicide. Rachel Nicole Free, a 39-year-old female, was killed in her Lawrenceville, Georgia home. On the morning of Wednesday, October 8, 2025, police responded to a call about a possible shooting at a residence in the 600 block of Clearwater Place. Inside, they discovered Ms.
Free deceased in a bedroom.
Investigators determined that Embrey Watson, 51, had shot and killed Ms. Free while she was asleep. After killing her, Watson then turned the gun on himself, ending his own life. The incident occurred on the very day that Ms. Free had been planning to move out and permanently end her long and rocky relationship with Watson.
The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner's Office was tasked with conducting autopsies to officially determine the causes of death. Neighbors and authorities have described the couple's relationship as having been troubled for years. Ms. Free was a mother and was anticipating the birth of her first grandchild the following February. She was remembered as a kind and sweet soul by those who knew her.
