The Sunny Brook Drive Shooting: Inside the Mary Katherine Higden Trial | "48 Hours" Investigation
The tragic events of August 1st, 2018, unfolded rapidly when police responded to a shooting at a residence on Sunny Brook Drive. What began as a frantic 911 call from Mary Katherine Higden, admitting she had shot her boyfriend Steven Freeman in the neck, quickly evolved into a complex investigation. The responding officers encountered a chaotic scene with Higden distraught and Freeman unresponsive on a mattress in their living room.
Lieutenant Chris Wilson, the first investigator to arrive, immediately noted concerning details that contradicted Higden's claim of an accidental discharge. Evidence of a possible altercation was visible throughout the home, with food scattered across the floor and furniture. This physical disarray, combined with forensic analysis of the Glock handgun involved, led investigators to question Higden's version of events despite her insistence that she never intended to harm Freeman, her partner of seven years.
Key Takeaways
A shooting initially reported as accidental raised immediate suspicions due to physical evidence suggesting a prior altercation between the couple.
Mary Katherine Higden's claim that the gun discharged accidentally contradicted her firearms training and experience from working at a sporting goods store.
The incident transformed a seemingly loving seven-year relationship into a murder investigation with profound impacts on both families.
Emergency Response and Law Enforcement Action
Initial 911 Communication
On August 1, 2018, emergency services received a distressing call from Mary Katherine Higden. In a state of panic, she immediately confessed to the dispatcher: "I actually shot my boyfriend in the neck." This immediate admission occurred before any law enforcement personnel arrived at the scene. Higden was audibly distraught during the call, repeatedly expressing remorse and shock over what had happened.
The 911 recording captured her emotional state as she pleaded for help. Her frantic tone conveyed urgency as she feared losing her boyfriend, Steven Freeman. This call became a crucial piece of evidence, as it contained the first of several explanations Higden would provide about how the shooting occurred.
Law Enforcement at the Scene
Lieutenant Chris Wilson was the first investigator to arrive at the residence on Sunnybrook Drive. Upon entering, he encountered a chaotic scene - Freeman was unresponsive on a mattress in the living room while Higden hovered over him in an extremely distressed state. Police body cameras documented the frantic atmosphere as officers attempted to provide medical assistance to Freeman.
When questioned about the weapon, Higden identified it as a Glock 43. She claimed she had been handling the gun without knowing it was chambered. The scene contained concerning elements beyond the shooting itself. Lieutenant Wilson noted:
Evidence suggesting a prior altercation
Food scattered across floors and furniture
Signs of disarray throughout the living area
Officers attempted to calm Higden while simultaneously working to save Freeman's life. Despite their efforts, his condition was critical. As investigators began processing the scene, they immediately recognized potential inconsistencies between the physical evidence and Higden's claim of an accidental discharge. This prompted them to take her to the police station for further questioning, though initially without handcuffs.
Case Examination
Weapon Analysis
The incident involved a Glock 43 handgun. This particular semi-automatic pistol requires the trigger to be pulled in order to discharge. According to firearms experts, this type of weapon cannot discharge accidentally without trigger pressure being applied. The standard operating procedure for loading this firearm includes inserting ammunition, racking the slide to chamber a round, and then pulling the trigger to fire.
Proper gun handling protocols were well understood by both parties involved in the incident. The firearm owner had significant experience with weapons, owning approximately 10 guns including several shotguns. Both individuals were familiar with firearms safety, with one having professional experience selling guns at a sporting goods retailer.
Crime Scene Details
The incident occurred on August 1, 2018, at a residence on Sunnybrook Drive. When officers arrived, they found a chaotic scene captured on police body cameras. The male victim was lying on a mattress in the living room with a gunshot wound to the neck, while the female subject was hovering over him in a highly distressed state.
The living space showed clear signs of disturbance prior to the shooting. Investigators noted food scattered across the floor and furniture, suggesting an altercation had taken place before the incident. The disarray contrasted sharply with the normally well-kept condition of the home, indicating an escalated conflict situation.
First responders immediately began life-saving measures while simultaneously securing the scene and separating the parties involved.
Evidence and Forensics
Key evidence in the case includes:
911 Recording: The emergency call captured the subject admitting to shooting the victim, stating "I accidentally shot my boyfriend in the neck."
Physical Evidence: The scattered food and general disarray in the living room suggested a physical altercation had occurred prior to the shooting.
Weapon Examination: Forensic analysis of the firearm determined that the trigger would have required deliberate pressure to discharge.
Video Evidence: While surveillance footage was available, investigators noted audio issues with the recording, describing it as having "constant noise all the way through."
The subject initially claimed the discharge was accidental while handing the weapon to the victim, who reportedly kept it beside the bed for protection. She stated the weapon was not supposed to be chambered. This account was inconsistent with the physical evidence discovered at the scene, prompting investigators to suspect a potential homicide rather than an accidental discharge.
Suspect and Victim Profiles
Emotional State of the Accused
Mary Katherine Higden displayed extreme distress immediately following the shooting. During the 911 call, she admitted to shooting her boyfriend in the neck, appearing frantic and emotional upon police arrival. Body camera footage captured her repeatedly saying "I cannot lose him" while hovering over Steven as he lay dying. She maintained that the discharge was accidental, claiming she didn't know the gun was chambered and that she "never wanted to hurt him." Despite her emotional state, investigators noted inconsistencies in her story.
The crime scene presented evidence contradicting her initial account. Food was scattered throughout the living area, suggesting a fight had occurred prior to the shooting. This physical evidence, combined with Mary Katherine's firearms knowledge from her job at a sporting goods store, raised doubts about her accidental discharge claim.
Detective Wilson's Assessment
Lieutenant Chris Wilson, the first investigator on scene, immediately recognized potential indicators of homicide. Wilson noted the chaotic state of the residence with food thrown around the living space, strongly suggesting an altercation had taken place before the shooting.
"I knew then that we could be possibly looking at a homicide," Wilson stated after examining the scene. His suspicions grew when analyzing the weapon involved—a Glock 43. According to firearms experts, this type of gun requires deliberate trigger pressure to discharge, contradicting Mary Katherine's claim that it "just went off."
Background of the Deceased
Steven Freeman, 23, was described by those who knew him as exceptionally good-natured. Born and raised in Griffin, Georgia, he had a happy childhood and developed into a young man with a consistently positive disposition.
Key Characteristics:
Passionate outdoorsman (hunting, fishing, camping)
Described as "sweet" and having a "huge heart"
Worked repairing roofs
Known for his calm temperament
Close relationship with his mother Jennifer
His mother treasured a note he had written congratulating her on completing her college degree, which ended with "I love you to the moon and back"—a special phrase they shared. Friends consistently described Steven as even-tempered, with one noting, "We used to laugh and say he would outlive everybody because he didn't stress out about anything."
History Between Victim and Accused
Steven Freeman and Mary Katherine Higden had been in a relationship for seven years, beginning in high school. After graduation, they moved in together, establishing a serious long-term partnership. Steven worked in roof repair while Mary Katherine was employed as a preschool teacher's aide before taking a position selling firearms at a sporting goods store.
The couple shared several common interests:
Outdoor activities (hunting, fishing)
Firearms (Steven owned approximately 10 guns)
Social gatherings with friends and family
Mary Katherine had integrated well into Steven's family, regularly attending Sunday dinners with his extended family. Jennifer Freeman, Steven's mother, stated she had loved Mary Katherine and "certainly considered her like a daughter." Similarly, Mary Katherine had won over Steven's close friends through her willingness to participate in outdoor activities they enjoyed. The relationship appeared stable to outside observers until the night of August 1, 2018, when the shooting occurred.
Court Proceedings
Charges and Allegations
On August 1, 2018, authorities responded to a shooting incident on Sunny Brook Drive. The call came from Mary Katherine Higden herself, who told the 911 operator: "I accidentally shot my boyfriend in the neck." Lieutenant Chris Wilson was the first investigator to arrive at the scene, finding Steven Freeman unresponsive and Higden in a highly emotional state.
Upon initial investigation, police noted suspicious circumstances. The home showed signs of a possible altercation, with food scattered across the floor and furniture. This physical evidence contradicted Higden's initial claim of an accidental discharge.
Prosecutors ultimately charged Higden with malice murder and felony murder. The prosecution asserted that "this gun did not discharge on its own" and claimed that "Mary Katherine Higden was angry, she lost control, and she pulled the trigger."
Evidence Presentation
Police body cameras captured the chaotic aftermath of the shooting. Footage showed Freeman lying on a mattress in the living room with Higden hovering over him as he died. Investigators became suspicious when examining the weapon, noting inconsistencies in Higden's story.
Detective Adam Traml testified about the firearm, demonstrating that the Glock model used couldn't discharge accidentally: "The trigger would have to be pulled." This directly contradicted Higden's claim that the gun "just went off."
Multiple witnesses provided background on the couple's relationship. Both were gun enthusiasts, with Freeman owning approximately ten firearms. Higden had worked at a sporting goods store selling guns, where she received formal training on weapon handling and safety procedures.
Defense Claims and Victim Impact
Higden maintained her innocence throughout proceedings, stating: "I didn't even know it was chambered. I never wanted to hurt him." She claimed none of their guns were normally kept with bullets in the chamber and insisted the shooting was unintentional.
The victim's mother, Jennifer Freeman, expressed profound grief over her son's death. She described Steven as a sweet-natured person with "a huge heart" who loved outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. Jennifer shared a treasured note from Steven that read: "I love you to the moon and back."
Steven and Mary Katherine had dated for seven years after meeting in high school. Friends described them as seemingly compatible, sharing interests in outdoor activities and firearms. Despite this apparent harmony, the evidence presented in court painted a different picture of their final moments together.
Body Camera Evidence and Crime Scene Evaluation
Police Video Documentation
Body camera footage from August 1, 2018, captured the chaotic aftermath of a shooting incident involving Mary Katherine Higden and Steven Freeman. The cameras recorded crucial moments when first responders arrived at the scene. Lieutenant Chris Wilson was the first investigator on site, documenting the initial response and interaction with Higden.
During this recorded encounter, Higden appeared extremely distressed, repeatedly stating "I cannot lose him" while hovering over Freeman's body. The footage shows officers attempting to calm her while simultaneously providing emergency medical attention to Freeman.
The video evidence became particularly significant as it documented Higden's initial statements about the incident. She claimed the shooting was accidental, telling officers she didn't know the gun was chambered. This recording would later be analyzed alongside physical evidence to establish a timeline of events.
Living Room Scene Analysis
The living room where the shooting occurred revealed significant details about the circumstances surrounding Freeman's death. Freeman was found lying on a mattress in the living room while Higden remained close by his side. Investigators noted considerable disarray throughout the space, with food scattered across the floor and furniture.
Lieutenant Wilson's assessment indicated signs of a possible altercation prior to the shooting. The condition of the room suggested food had been thrown, potentially indicating a conflict between the couple before the fatal shot was fired.
The weapon involved was identified as a Glock firearm. According to Detective Adam Traml, this type of gun requires deliberate trigger action to discharge, contradicting Higden's claim of an accidental firing. This technical detail became a critical point in the investigation.
Forensic examination of the living room included:
Position of the victim on the mattress
Location and condition of the weapon
Distribution pattern of disturbed items
Blood evidence patterns
Trajectory analysis of the bullet
The scene investigation revealed important contradictions between the physical evidence and Higden's initial explanation, prompting investigators to question her account of an accidental discharge while supposedly handing the gun to Freeman.
Suspect's Statements and Defense Arguments
Claim of Unintentional Discharge
Mary Katherine Higden maintains that the shooting of Steven Freeman was entirely accidental. During her 911 call immediately following the incident on August 1, 2018, she stated that her "gun was papered" and expressed remorse for shooting her boyfriend in the neck. When police arrived at the scene, Higden appeared distraught, repeatedly saying "I cannot lose him" while officers attempted to calm her.
She told investigators she was merely handling the Glock 43 firearm to bring it to their bed when it discharged unexpectedly. "I don't even understand the gun going off," she stated during initial questioning. "I wasn't even really pointing it directly at him in the first place."
Higden has consistently maintained her position that she never intended harm, telling interviewers, "I didn't even know it was chambered. I never wanted to hurt him. I never wanted anything like that."
Firearms Knowledge and Training
Despite her claims of an accidental discharge, evidence suggests Higden possessed substantial firearms experience and training. She had worked selling guns at a local sporting goods store, where she received specific training on proper handling procedures before being permitted to sell firearms.
According to former colleague Thomas Skinner:
Higden frequently "bragged about how she knew more about guns than Steven or us"
She had received specific training on how to properly handle and transfer firearms
She was familiar with multiple types of weapons
This professional background contradicts her statements about not knowing the weapon was chambered. A firearms expert noted that the type of gun involved would not discharge without a trigger pull, making an accidental discharge highly unlikely for someone with her level of training.
Contradictions in the Narrative
Several elements of the physical evidence and witness testimony challenge Higden's account:
Home Condition: Lieutenant Chris Wilson observed food thrown around the living room, noting it appeared "they had been throwing it at each other," suggesting a domestic dispute preceded the shooting.
Weapon Mechanics: Detective Adam Traml testified that the type of firearm involved would not discharge without a trigger pull, stating "Not from my experience. The trigger would have to be pulled."
Safety Practices: Higden claimed, "None of our guns that we've had around our house were ever chambered." However, this statement conflicts with the fact that the gun discharged a round, indicating it was indeed chambered at the time.
Surveillance Video: A security camera inside the home captured the incident, but police reported it contained only "constant noise" without clear audio that could verify her account of events.
The prosecution has characterized the shooting as "malice murder" and "felony murder," asserting that "Mary Katherine Higden was angry, she lost control, and she pulled the trigger," directly contradicting her claims of an accident.
Effects and Aftermath
The incident that unfolded on August 1, 2018, created ripples that extended far beyond the immediate tragedy. The shooting death of Steven Freeman dramatically affected both his immediate family and the wider community.
Family's Perspective on Loss
Jennifer Freeman, Steven's mother, has experienced profound grief following her son's death. She has not spoken with Mary Katherine Higden since the incident and believes no explanation could ever justify what happened to her 23-year-old son. "This should never have happened," she stated with conviction.
Steven was remembered as exceptionally kind-hearted by his mother. Jennifer treasures a note he wrote after she completed her college degree, which ended with their special saying: "I love you to the moon and back." This phrase had become their unique bond.
Jennifer described Steven as having "a happy childhood" in Griffin, Georgia. He was characterized by his constant smile from infancy through adulthood. His greatest passion was outdoor activities—duck hunting, deer hunting, fishing, and camping provided him peace and comfort.
Community's Reaction
Steven's death sent shockwaves through his friend group and the broader community. His closest friends—Thomas Skinner, Andrew McCree, and Chase Puit—had accepted Mary Katherine into their circle precisely because "she made my friend happy," as one friend explained.
The community seemed particularly struck by the contradiction between the couple's seemingly happy relationship and the violent outcome. Friends noted that Mary Katherine had shared Steven's outdoor interests, with one remarking that her willingness to "go fish for 4 hours or go deer hunt" was something they admired.
The sporting goods store where Mary Katherine worked selling firearms became part of the community conversation. Her colleague Thomas Skinner pointed out that employees received training on proper gun handling before being permitted to sell firearms, casting doubt on her accident claim.
Law enforcement's presence and investigation became a focal point for community attention. Police body cameras captured the chaotic aftermath, documenting both the immediate trauma and the early inconsistencies in Mary Katherine's account that would later become central to community discussions about what truly happened that night.
Final Thoughts
The investigation into Steven Freeman's death revealed a complex case with evolving statements from Mary Katherine Higden. Initially claiming an accidental discharge while handling the gun, detectives quickly noticed inconsistencies in her account. The chaotic scene in their shared home—with food scattered across floors and furniture—suggested a heated argument had occurred prior to the shooting.
Law enforcement officials raised serious doubts about the possibility of the Glock model handgun discharging accidentally. Detective Adam Traml explained that these weapons require deliberate trigger pressure to fire. Lieutenant Chris Wilson's initial assessment of evidence at the scene pointed toward a domestic dispute rather than a simple accident.
The case evolved from a reported accident to potential homicide charges. Mary Katherine maintained her innocence throughout, stating, "I never wanted to hurt him." However, Steven's mother Jennifer Freeman remains unconvinced, believing no explanation could justify her son's death.
Steven, remembered as an outdoorsman with a passion for hunting and fishing, had been in a relationship with Mary Katherine for seven years after meeting in high school. Friends described them as compatible, sharing interests in outdoor activities and firearms. Mary Katherine had even worked selling guns at a sporting goods store, suggesting she possessed substantial knowledge about firearm safety.
The body camera footage captured the immediate aftermath—Mary Katherine distraught over Steven's body while first responders attempted life-saving measures. Despite her claims of an accident, prosecutors ultimately pursued murder charges, arguing the evidence showed intentional action rather than mishandling.
