Beulah Michigan – A preliminary examination was supposed to have been held today, December 17, for Robert Michael Freebold, 63, charged in the murder of his former wife, Marilyn J. Schultz-Freebold, 63, and her two sons, Robert James Freebold, 27, and Malachi Andrew Maloney, 20.

The three were brutally murdered in their home in Elberta, Mi. on November 20, 2020. The three received multiple gun shots.

Robert Michael Freebold, formerly from Owosso, divorced husband of Marilyn and father to Robert James is lodged in the Benzie County jail charged in there, as well as Marilyn’s son Malachi Andrew Maloney’s murder.

The Prosecutor told the Judge today that she believes there is probable cause, but that she was not ready today. She said she has not received the police reports or other material needed for the Preliminary Examination.

The Defense Attorney stated that he has received nothing from the prosecutor’s office.

The Defense Attorney stated that he wanted this to be held as soon as possible since he is going to seek bond for his client.

The Preliminary Examination has been moved to January 7, 2021 at 2:30 pm in the District Court House in Beulah Mi.

What is the back ground for this case:

On November 20, 2020, Central Dispatch for Benzie County reported that they received a 911 call from a cell phone where they could hear only noises. They were able to trace the call to a phone in Elberta Mi.

Deputies from the Benzie County Sheriff’s office were then immediately dispatched to a single- family dwelling on Grand Avenue in Elberta Mi. Upon arrival, the first Deputy on the scene observed a severely injured male subject inside of the house near the main entrance door.

A Frankfort City police Officer arrived shortly thereafter. The Deputy and City Officer then made entrance to the house and located three gunshot victims further inside of the residence. Two of the victims were pronounced deceased at the scene. Two victims were transported to Munson Traverse City where one later succumbed to his injuries.

Robert Michael Freebold was found to be unconscious with severe, non-shooting injuries, to the head.

When Freebold was released from the hospital he was charged and arraigned in the three deaths.

Below is the obituaries for the victims released by Jowett Family Funeral Home and Cremation, and a GoFund Me

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 Go Fund Me Page has been made:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/freebold-family-emergency-expenses?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cf share-flow-1&fbclid=IwAR0xPjZKqAnqvRte2lGVqFFXIktCco-P3c0ScOUh9wNLpA872nz-EFCwqDI

Photo: Screen shot of the Court Proceedings in Beulah Mi. December 17, 2020. Robert Michael Freebold