Benzie County Michigan – To clear up erroneous information published by a few papers. Former Owosso resident Robert Michael Freebold was lodged in the Benzie County Jail last Wednesday after being released from Munson Hospital in Traverse City. He was charged and arraigned for murdering members of his family in Elberta Mi. The Family is from Owosso. Late last Wednesday the Benzie County Prosecutor issued a 3-count open murder warrant (Life felony) for Robert Michael Freebold, 58 years old, of Elberta, MI. Freebold has been charged in the murder of Marilyn Freebold, Malachi Maloney, and Robert James Freebold, as a result of an incident in the Village Of Elberta that took place at approximately 6:00p on Friday, 11-20-2020.

Robert Michael Freebold was never shot as per some newspaper stories. It is alleged that Freebold was the shooter and somehow suffered some head injuries during his murder spree that knocked him unconscious. Per law enforcement Freebold never shot himself and did not receive any gun shot wounds.  Robert Freebold and Marilyn Freebold were not maried at the time of the shootings. 

Below is the obituaries for the victims released by Jowett Family Funeral Home and Cremation.

Marilyn J. Schultz-Freebold, 63, of Elberta, MI, died at her home on November 20, 2020. She was born October 6th, 1957 in Petoskey MI. She is survived by her daughter Emily  Freebold (Austin Vanbrocklin), Jacob Freebold (Jessica Schneider), Grandchildren Ember VanBrocklin,  Samuel Freebold, Phillip Freebold, Landen and Sabastian, sisters Ellen Kelly, Cathryn Church, Carolyn  (Karl) Manke, Margaret Davidhizar, and Janet Sue (James) Anderson, many nieces, nephews and  cousins. 

Marilyn completed her nursing degree at Baker College. She loved spending time with her children and grand-children and laughing with all her sisters and family. She was the youngest of six sisters whose bonds will forever be unbreakable not even by her death. She enjoyed nature, going for walks in the woods and liked to hunt for rocks on the beach as well as paint them. She loved decorative art. Through her thoughtful demeaner, she was always creating beautiful things and gifting her creations to others. She will always be remembered as very sweet and caring.

Robert James Freebold, 27, of Elberta, MI, died at his home on November 20, 2020. He was born March 18th, 1993 in Lansing MI and is survived by his sister Emily (Austin Vanbrocklin), brother Jacob Freebold (Jessica Schneider), nieces, nephews, numerous cousins and Aunts and Uncles. 

Bobby was creative and loved guitar and music. He often laid down his original beats and put them to video to share. He was an avid gamer and loved to play video games with his friends. He was thoughtful and caring and he made sure his friends knew they were special. His best years were his summers with his cousins floating down the Platte River, camping and staying at family cottages and Three Pines Resort. He had a lot of friends and a giving heart.

Malachi Andrew Maloney, 20, of Elberta, MI, died at his home on November 20, 2020. He was born July 25th 2000 in Owosso MI and is survived by his father Jeremy Maloney, his sister Emily (Austin Vanbrocklin), brother Jacob Freebold (Jessica Schneider), nieces, nephews, numerous cousins and Aunts and Uncles. 

Malachi graduated from Frankfort high-school and was studying accounting at NMC in Traverse City, MI where he often made the Dean’s List. His future educational plans included transferring to Michigan State University. Besides being a good student, he was artistic as well. Whether it was creating pottery pieces or demonstrating his artful side in the kitchen, his creative talents always rang true. He loved to cook and called upon his aunts for his favorite recipes. He also took up canning mouth-watering pickles in which he shared to the delight of family member. He had many friends and was the kindest most gentle 6’- 6” young man you would ever meet.

A celebration of life will be held at Jowett Family Funeral Home, 7223 South St Benzonia, MI 49616, officiated by Karl Manke on December 12th at 1pm. A visitation will be held before the service.