Indiana woman’s house burglarized: investigation uncovers bizarre ‘root beer murder’ and terrifying hit list

What started as a routine investigation in Freetown, Indiana, took a truly bizarre and terrifying turn, ultimately uncovering a murder plot involving poisoned root beer floats and a chilling hit list of potential victims. The whole wild story unfurled after Marsha Allen’s home was burglarized on September 19, 2023.

Detective Clint Burcham and Lt. Adam Nicholson of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department responded to the break-in. She quickly recognized one of the burglars caught on her home security cameras as a friend of her daughter, Ashley Jones: Steven White. 

Within hours of Marsha’s report, law enforcement located Steven White, who confessed to the burglary. Then he dropped a bombshell. White completely blindsided investigators by accusing Allen of being a “murderer.” 

Talk about a wild turn of events

White claimed that Marsha had killed her husband, Harold Allen, the year prior. Harold passed away after months of declining health, and his death was initially attributed to cardiac issues. White alleged that Marsha poisoned Harold by poisoning a root beer float. He also accused Jones, claiming she lived with the couple and masterminded the murder plot and burglary.

White gave the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department a crucial tip, telling them that Marsha and Jones’ text messages would reveal all the details about the poisoning. When investigators dove into those messages, they uncovered a horrifying truth. 

The mother and daughter had reportedly tried to kill Harold multiple times in the months leading up to his death, using an array of exotic poisons. When those attempts failed, investigators say they turned to ethylene glycol, a common ingredient found in antifreeze. Police believe Marsha ultimately served Harold that lethal, poisoned root beer float on December 19, 2022.

A month after the burglary, police brought Marsha Allen in for questioning. She denied any involvement in her husband’s death. However, hours later, she took her own life.

Ashley Jones was subsequently charged with Harold’s murder. While awaiting trial, investigators say Jones gave her cellmate a “kill list.” Lt. Nicholson stated that Jones told her cellmate the list contained the names of witnesses in the case, adding, “She was trying to get rid of them, off them.”

Investigators revealed that the first name on that chilling list was none other than Steven White. When asked if he believed Ashley would have followed through, Lt Nicholson responded, “Oh absolutely, without a doubt, she would’ve had them killed.” Jackson County Prosecutor Lynsey Fleetwood confirmed that an analysis comparing the list to Jones’ handwriting was found to be “favorable,” though Jones was not charged with any crimes connected to the list itself.

In August 2025, Ashley Jones took a plea deal, pleading guilty to attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. She was sentenced to 50 years in prison. It’s a truly wild case.  It was no accidental poisoning or natural death, nor was it a burglar dumb enough to get himself caught. It was a web of deception, murder, and a terrifying plan for more.