Rachel Free was hours away from starting over — a new life, a new place, and freedom from an abusive relationship. But before she could leave her abuser Embrey Watson, he took her life in a brutal act of violence, before turning the gun on himself. Rachel’s death is another heartbreaking reminder of the brutality of domestic violence.
What happened
On Wednesday morning, at 9:41 a.m., officers responded to a call at Rachel Free’s home in Lawrenceville, Georgia. What they saw was a tragic scene: 31-year-old Rachel had been shot to death inside her bedroom by her abuser Embrey Watson. She had packed her things, ready to leave and start a new chapter in her life. But before she can escape, Watson makes sure she’ll never get the chance.
After killing Rachel, Watson turns the gun on himself and ends his life. Authorities later confirmed it was a domestic violence-related murder-suicide, but simply calling it “domestic” does not do justice to the brutality of the act. It was ruthless, calculating and cruel. Rachel had done everything right – she had found a way. She was finally leaving. But Watson could not accept losing control, and in his twisted mindset, he made sure that no one could ever love Rachel again.
Who was Rachel Azad?
Rachel Free was a vibrant 31-year-old woman who found the strength to leave an abusive relationship. He had a new place, a fresh start, and a plan to move forward. Rachel’s family described her as someone who deserved the opportunity to live independently, to experience peace, happiness and security – all of which were violently taken away from her in an instant.
She was almost free. Rachel’s decision to leave Watson was an act of immense courage, yet it ultimately cost her her life. She had a future, a story left to tell, but instead, she became another name in the growing list of women whose lives were tragically cut short due to domestic violence.
Career, legacy and community impact
Rachel’s murder is a heartbreaking reminder of the danger many women face when attempting to leave their abusive partners. Her death has torn her family apart, devastated her friends, and left her community mourning a life stolen so soon. Although the tragedy is painful in itself, Rachel’s memories will serve as a call to action in the fight against domestic violence.
The community has come together to honor Rachel’s life and her courage in leaving. The painful reality is that for too many women, leaving an abusive relationship is not just a chance for freedom – it is a life-threatening decision. Rachel was one of many women who should still be alive had they been allowed to escape their persecutors.
Public and social media reactions
In the wake of Rachel’s death, friends, family and advocates for victims of domestic violence have shared their grief on social media, raising awareness of the dangers faced by people who remain in abusive relationships. Hashtags like #JusticeForRachelFree and #EndDomesticViolence have spread across social media, demanding that Rachel’s story be heard and that we, as a society, do more to protect those trying to escape abuse.
Messages of support have poured in for Rachel’s family, with many expressing outrage at the senselessness of her death. Her name will not be forgotten, and her family and friends have vowed to honor her memory by continuing to speak out about domestic violence.
Official statement or what will happen next
The Gwinnett County Police Department has confirmed that it was a domestic violence related murder-suicide. Authorities are continuing their investigation, although the outcome seems clear: Rachel Frey’s life was stolen by someone who couldn’t deal with losing control.
While Rachel’s death is an unbearable loss, her story will continue to be a reminder of the need for change in the way domestic violence is viewed and addressed. Rachel’s family and friends are determined to make sure her name is remembered – not as a victim, but as a woman who deserves a future.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are resources available to help. Please reach out to local shelters, helplines or support groups. No one should live in fear.
closing line
Rest in power, Rachel Free. Your strength, your story and your memories will live on. You deserve to live – and we will not be silenced. This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
