A burglary investigation in Freetown, Indiana, took a dark turn on September 19, 2023, when authorities uncovered a murder case and a disturbing 'hit list' of potential victims. The Jackson County Sheriff's Department initially responded to a reported break-in at the home of Marsha Allen.

From Burglary to Murder Investigation

The investigation quickly escalated after Marsha Allen identified Steven White, a friend of her daughter Ashley Jones, as one of the burglars captured on her home security system. White confessed to the burglary but made a shocking accusation: Marsha Allen had murdered her husband, Harold Allen, by poisoning his root beer float.

A Deadly Brew

Harold Allen had passed away the previous year, with his death initially attributed to cardiac issues. White alleged that Ashley Jones was instrumental in the plot, orchestrating the burglary to cover their tracks. He pointed investigators to text messages between Marsha Allen and Jones, which he believed would reveal details of the poisoning.

Incriminating Evidence and a Mother's Death

The text messages proved to be highly incriminating, revealing multiple attempts by Marsha Allen and Ashley Jones to poison Harold Allen using various substances. When those attempts failed, they allegedly resorted to ethylene glycol, a component of antifreeze. Investigators determined that on December 19, 2022, Marsha Allen served Harold Allen a root beer float laced with the lethal poison.

Following questioning by police, Marsha Allen denied any involvement in her husband’s death but tragically died by suicide hours later. This left Ashley Jones as the primary suspect in Harold Allen’s murder.

'Kill List' and Plea Deal

While awaiting trial, Ashley Jones allegedly created a 'kill list' containing the names of individuals with knowledge of the case, intending to silence them. Lt. Adam Nicholson of the Jackson County Sheriff's Department confirmed Jones’ intent to harm those on the list, with Steven White being the first name.

No Charges for the 'Kill List'

Despite confirming Jones’ handwriting on the list, Jackson County Prosecutor Lynsey Fleetwood stated that Jones was not charged with any crimes related to it. In August 2025, Ashley Jones pleaded guilty to attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder, receiving a 50-year prison sentence. Steven White was sentenced to three and a half years for his role in the burglary.

The case, explored in the '48 Hours' episode 'The Root Beer Float Murder' airing on April 4 at 10/9c on CBS and streaming on Paramount+, highlights a complex web of deceit and betrayal.