Miami County husband held in wife’s death now faces civil lawsuit

TROY – The administrator of the estate of Samantha Freels, who died from a gunshot wound Jan. 12 in Union Twp., Miami County, filed a lawsuit against her husband, Randy Freels, who is charged with murder in the death.

The wrongful death lawsuit filed Tuesday by Anthony C. Freels, estate administrator, claims Randy Freels “intentionally and willfully, and/or recklessly, and/or negligently, caused the death.”

The suit was filed in county Common Pleas Court on behalf of Samantha Freels’ next of kin. The suit claims they suffered damages because of her death.

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A judgment for more than $25,000 is sought along with punitive damages. A jury trial is requested.

Samantha Freels, 52, was found deceased in her car the afternoon of Jan. 12 along Ohio 55 near West Milton. Responders initially thought she died in a car accident during a snow storm.

Investigators found a bullet hole in her car, leading to the discovery of the gunshot wound.

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Randy Freels was indicted by a county grand jury on charges of murder, felonious assault, discharging a firearm into a habitat and tampering with evidence. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held in lieu of $1.5 million bail.

A trial in the criminal case has been scheduled to begin April 17 in Common Pleas Court.

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