Sarah Hartsfield and her spouse, Joseph, had been married for just a year when signs of trouble emerged. Hartsfield confided in friends about Joseph being a source of distress, contemplating ending the relationship, while Joseph expressed to relatives his desire to end the marriage.
This was Hartsfield’s fifth marriage, indicating a pattern of relationships ending. Divorce and unfortunate events had followed her from her time as a former Army sergeant. Her first two marriages dissolved quickly, and she had children with her third husband, Christopher Donohue, before their separation in 2017. Shortly after, she became engaged to David Bragg.
On a fateful day in May 2018, a 911 call from Hartsfield’s residence ended in tragedy as David was found dead. Hartsfield claimed self-defense, stating that a heated argument over child visitation rights led to a deadly confrontation where she shot and killed David.
Fast forward to 2021, Hartsfield married David George after her ex-husband Christopher sought a restraining order, suspecting foul play in his custody arrangement. However, their marriage was short-lived as they eventually separated. Subsequently, Hartsfield connected with Joseph, an outdoor enthusiast, and they tied the knot in February 2022. Despite Joseph’s jovial demeanor, his family noted signs of unhappiness.
Tragedy struck on January 7, 2023, when Hartsfield called emergency services reporting her diabetic husband’s collapse due to low blood sugar levels. Joseph’s condition worsened in the hospital, leading to his death on January 15. Suspicion arose as an excessive amount of insulin was found in his system, prompting an investigation into the circumstances.
Subsequent revelations painted a troubling picture, with phone records indicating unusual behavior from Hartsfield before Joseph’s collapse. Investigations into Hartsfield’s past revealed a concerning pattern, culminating in her being charged with first-degree murder in Joseph’s death.
Following a trial that delved into Hartsfield’s history of tumultuous relationships and suspicious incidents, she was found guilty of first-degree murder in October. Sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years, the case surrounding David Bragg’s shooting was reopened for further examination.
