Newton County Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Family Violence and Stalking Case
COVINGTON, Ga. — A 74-year-old Newton County man was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple violent offenses against his girlfriend, including aggravated battery and aggravated stalking.
On March 2, 2026, as jury selection was set to begin, Arnithal Freeman entered a guilty plea to Aggravated Battery – Family Violence, Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats, and a separate case of Aggravated Stalking. The plea was entered without a negotiated sentence.
After hearing arguments and reviewing evidence, Judge Kevin Morris sentenced Freeman to 25 years in prison, with the first 20 years to be served behind bars.
2022 Assault Investigation
The charges stem from an incident on April 12, 2022, at the Covington home of Ms. Ashby, Freeman’s girlfriend. Family members went to check on her after being unable to reach her for several days and found her severely injured.
Investigators reported Ashby had extensive bruising on her neck, face, and arms, along with blood pooling in her eyes. She told authorities Freeman attacked her during an argument, striking her multiple times with his fists and a boot and strangling her to the point she could not breathe.
Freeman later claimed the injuries were the result of Ashby falling off a bed.
He was arrested but bonded out of jail in May 2022, with a court order prohibiting contact with Ashby.
Missing Person Case
On November 1, 2022, Ashby’s family reported her missing after not hearing from her since October 29. During the investigation, authorities learned Freeman had returned to her home after being released from jail, violating the no-contact order.
Freeman was arrested on November 5, 2022, and charged with Aggravated Stalking.
Six days later, on November 11, 2022, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office located human remains later identified as Ashby.
Death Remains Unresolved
The Covington Police Department, Newton County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab conducted a separate investigation into Ashby’s death.
However, due to the condition of the remains, medical examiners and forensic anthropologists were unable to determine a cause or manner of death. Investigators could not rule out non-homicidal causes, including natural causes.
Because of that uncertainty, prosecutors moved forward with the aggravated battery and stalking cases, which could be proven through available evidence.
Freeman ultimately pleaded guilty on the morning jury selection was scheduled to begin.
Investigation and Prosecution
The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Amber Dally with assistance from investigators, victim advocates, and staff from the Newton County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities say the investigation involved personnel from the Covington Police Department, Newton County Sheriff’s Office, and the GBI crime lab.
Officials are still asking anyone with information about Ms. Ashby’s death to contact local law enforcement or the Newton County District Attorney’s Office.
