In the small village of Elberta, Michigan, a quiet November evening in 2020 was shattered by a violent act that claimed the lives of three people, including 20-year-old Malachi Andrew Maloney. On November 20th, a dropped 911 call led Benzie County Sheriff's deputies to a residence on Grand Street. Inside, they discovered a tragic scene. Malachi, along with his mother's former sister-in-law, 63-year-old Marilyn Schultz Freebold, and her 27-year-old son, Robert James Freebold, had been fatally
shot. Malachi was a graduate of Frankfort High School and was studying accounting at Northwestern Michigan College, often making the Dean's List. He was remembered as a kind and gentle young man who enjoyed cooking, video games, and spending summers with his cousins.
The investigation into the triple homicide quickly focused on one individual: Robert Michael Freebold, the 58-year-old ex-husband of Marilyn and the father of Robert James Freebold. He was found at the scene with non-life-threatening head injuries and was taken to the hospital. Upon his release, he was arrested and charged with three counts of open murder. Prosecutors alleged that Freebold was the shooter and had attempted to stage the scene to appear as though he was also a victim. It was later clarified that his injuries were not from a gunshot.
During the subsequent trial in April 2023, forensic testimony provided a grim account of Malachi's final moments. A forensic pathologist testified that Malachi had suffered four fatal gunshot wounds to the head, all inflicted at close range with a small-caliber firearm. Evidence of stippling from unspent gunpowder indicated the proximity of the weapon. The other two victims also died from multiple gunshot wounds. The prosecutor argued that Robert Michael Freebold had used his. 22-caliber pistol, which was found at the scene, to kill all three individuals. The preliminary examination for Freebold was initially delayed as the prosecutor awaited police reports and other necessary materials.
