Watauga police records detail domestic violence prior to woman's murder

WATAUAGA, Texas - Newly released documents show a pattern of violent weeks before Watauga PD shot and killed a man they believe murdered his estranged girlfriend.

Police say they had responded to the home on Wooddale Drive several times before the Monday shooting. The most recent was a little more than a week ago.

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Emily Law, 49, was granted a protective order following what seemed to be a pattern of escalating violence between her and her ex-boyfriend. It was in place for less than a week before she was killed.

It's been three days since police shot and killed 46-year old James Freeman inside the Watauga home of his ex-girlfriend. The aftermath of that scene revealed her body.

Law was discovered dead in another part of the house. The cause of her death is pending.

Earlier, Law’s daughter called 911 after seeing Freeman at the house. She feared her mother was in danger.

Newly released court documents reveal insight into the violent relationship between Law and Freeman.

Watauga police were called to the home on numerous occasions, including on March 4. An incident report detailed claims each made to police about a fight.

"James advised Emily began pulling at his shirt...and slapped him with an open hand,” the report said. “Emily stated they got into a 'tussle' and he pushed her onto the bed. Peace was restored and officers cleared the scene."

Another call to the home on April 17 was less than a week before the fatal officer-involved shooting, and the violence seemed to escalate.

"Freeman grabbed Law by the neck, lifting her off of the floor, and placing her against a glass shower door. Law believed she was going to pass out and feared for her life,” the incident report said. “Law was able to escape back into her bedroom where she grabbed a .410 shotgun from behind the door. Law says the gun was not loaded and she never pointed it at Freeman."

Following the April 17 encounter, documents show Freeman was arrested and charged with assault and impeding breath and circulation.  Law also filed for and received a protective order against Freeman.

The officers involved in the shooting that killed Freeman are still on administrative leave While the Texas Rangers continue their investigation.