Burglary Uncovers Poison Plot: Daughter Convicted, Mother Dies by Suicide, Prior Death Re-examined
A September 2023 burglary in Freetown, Indiana, initiated an investigation that uncovered a prior poisoning murder, leading to a daughter's conviction and a mother's suicide. The subsequent investigation also prompted the re-examination of an earlier death involving the convicted individual.
Discovery of the Plot
On September 19, 2023, Marsha Allen reported a burglary at her Freetown, Indiana, home. Security camera footage identified one of the burglars as Steven White, a friend of Marsha Allen's daughter, Ashley Jones. Detectives Clint Burcham and Lieutenant Adam Nicholson of the Jackson County Sheriff's Department initiated an investigation into the incident.
Upon his apprehension, Steven White confessed to the burglary. White alleged that Marsha Allen had murdered her husband, Harold Allen, the previous year by poisoning him. Harold Allen's death in December 2022 had initially been attributed to cardiac issues, with an autopsy that did not screen for poisons.
White further claimed that Ashley Jones had orchestrated both Harold Allen's murder and the September 2023 burglary, and advised investigators to review text messages between Marsha Allen and Jones.
Investigators noted the burglars appeared familiar with the home's layout and safe code.
The Poisoning Conspiracy
Investigators recovered thousands of text messages exchanged between Marsha Allen and Ashley Jones over three months prior to Harold Allen's death. These messages reportedly detailed a plan to kill Harold Allen, with financial gain, including a $120,000 life insurance policy and other assets, identified as a motive.
The texts indicated multiple attempts to poison Harold Allen:
- Pong Pong Seeds: Around Thanksgiving 2022, ground Pong Pong seeds, described as a "suicide tree" toxin, were reportedly mixed into brownies.
- Water Hemlock: After initial attempts failed, water hemlock was allegedly used in chili, Sprite, and a margarita in December 2022.
- Ethylene Glycol: Subsequently, ethylene glycol, an ingredient found in antifreeze, was acquired. Investigators believe Marsha Allen administered this substance in a root beer float on December 19, 2022. Harold Allen died the following day.
Texts between Marsha and Ashley showed impatience with Harold's condition and discussions about his demise. Harold's family reported he had experienced significant gastrointestinal problems and facial numbness in the weeks before his death. Toxicology results from preserved blood samples later confirmed the presence of ethylene glycol in Harold Allen's system.
Subsequent Investigations and Deaths
One month after the burglary, Marsha Allen was questioned by police regarding her husband's death. She denied involvement, citing the initial autopsy report. While left alone in the interview room, a camera recorded Marsha deleting text messages from her cell phone.
On October 16, 2023, officers executed a search warrant at Marsha Allen's home. During further questioning, Marsha largely remained silent and continued to deny intentionally poisoning Harold. Hours after returning home from her interview, Marsha Allen died by suicide.
She left a note stating, "I did not kill my husband. You win Ashley!"
Ashley Jones was extradited to Indiana on charges related to the burglary. During questioning regarding Harold Allen's murder, she initially denied involvement but later changed her statement. Jones implicated her mother, Marsha, stating her mother "wanted him dead," and admitted to helping purchase poisons due to "loyalty to the mother." Jones also stated she was aware of Harold's suffering in his final hours. One day after her interview, Ashley Jones was arrested for Harold Allen's murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and attempted murder.
While awaiting trial, investigators stated that Jones allegedly provided her cellmate with a "kill list." Police believe this list contained the names of individuals with knowledge related to Harold Allen's death, whom Jones allegedly sought to eliminate, including Steven White. Jackson County Prosecutor Lynsey Fleetwood noted that an analysis found the handwriting on the list to be "favorable" to Jones. Jones was was not charged with any crimes related to this list.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
In August 2025, Ashley Jones accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. She was sentenced to 50 years in prison. Steven White received a sentence of three and a half years for his role in the burglary.
Investigators determined that Ashley Jones's motive for orchestrating the burglary was to recover compensation she believed she was owed for Harold Allen's murder after Marsha Allen reportedly ceased monthly payments.
Further Investigations
Indiana State Police have opened an investigation into the 2019 death of Ashley Jones's first husband, Ty Jones, who died at age 33. His autopsy cited heart complications, and his body was cremated at Ashley's request. Ty Jones's family members contacted police after learning details of Harold Allen's death, noting Ashley's behavior after Ty's death, including immediately inquiring about his insurance policy.
A text message between Marsha Allen and Ashley Jones regarding Harold's slow poisoning included a reference to Ty Jones's lighter body weight, prompting the renewed investigation for potential similarities.