Harold Allen Murder: The Root Beer Float Poisoning Case Featured on Dateline NBC
Dateline NBC’s The Man Who Loved Christmas examines the death of Harold “Peanut” Allen Jr., a 52-year-old Freetown, Indiana man whose death initially appeared to be natural. The episode is scheduled to air Friday, September 18, at 10 p.m. and includes interviews with investigators, prosecutors, and members of Harold’s family.
Harold died on December 20, 2022, after months of serious and confusing health problems. At the time, doctors had treated him for gastrointestinal symptoms, and his death was attributed to cardiac conditions. Nearly nine months later, a burglary at his widow’s home caused detectives to revisit the case. Their investigation eventually established that Harold had been poisoned with ethylene glycol, a chemical associated with antifreeze. Ashley Jones, Harold’s stepdaughter, later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder. She was sentenced to 50 years in prison in September 2025.
Who Was Harold “Peanut” Allen?
Harold L. Allen Jr. was born in Scottsburg, Indiana, and was known to his family as “Peanut,” a nickname that stayed with him from infancy. He worked at Aisin USA, loved music, motorcycles, fishing, and time with his family. He married Marsha Allen in 2021 and embraced becoming a grandfather to her family.
When Harold’s health began declining in the fall of 2022, his loved ones had reason to believe he was facing a serious medical problem. He was diabetic and had repeated emergency-room visits for severe stomach symptoms. Doctors suspected diverticulitis. On Thanksgiving, Harold’s brother Matthew saw him experience numbness in his face and urged him to seek medical care.
On December 20, 2022, Marsha called 911 after finding Harold unresponsive at their Freetown home. His death did not initially appear suspicious. An autopsy documented cardiac conditions, including pericarditis, and the first toxicology screening did not test for ethylene glycol.
The Burglary That Reopened the Investigation
On September 19, 2023, Marsha Allen reported a burglary at her home while she was away. Security footage showed two men entering the house and opening a safe. During the investigation, one of the men gave detectives information that prompted them to take a new look at Harold’s death.
Investigators reviewed thousands of messages between Marsha and her daughter, Ashley Jones. According to court records and the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, the messages documented research into poisonous substances and discussions about Harold’s declining health. Detectives also found evidence that ethylene glycol had been ordered online and delivered to the home shortly before Harold died.
Harold’s preserved blood sample was then sent for specialized testing. The testing detected ethylene glycol. Authorities concluded that he had been poisoned.
What Happened to Marsha Allen?
Marsha Allen denied being involved in Harold’s death when she spoke with investigators. After that interview, she was found dead at her home. Authorities said her death was a suicide. Marsha was never charged or tried in connection with Harold’s death.
Because Marsha died before any criminal case against her could proceed, the legal case focused on Ashley Jones.
Ashley Jones’ Conviction and Sentence
Ashley Jones admitted to investigators that she had purchased ethylene glycol and said that her mother used it in a root beer float served to Harold. Prosecutors alleged that the investigation uncovered evidence of earlier attempts to poison him with other substances in food and drinks.
On August 7, 2025, Jones pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder. On September 23, 2025, Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Richard Poynter sentenced her to 50 years in the Indiana Department of Correction, the maximum sentence allowed by her plea agreement.
Watch Dateline NBC’s The Man Who Loved Christmas
Dateline NBC’s The Man Who Loved Christmas is scheduled to air Friday, September 18, at 10 p.m. The episode focuses on Harold’s life, the investigation that began with a burglary, and the evidence that revealed what had happened to him.
For our full discussion of the case, listen to the Moms and Mysteries episode on Harold Allen. We cover the timeline, the investigation, the evidence, and the court outcome while remembering the man Harold’s family knew as Peanut.
Sources:
Woman charged in Indiana root beer float murder orders hit on best friend, police say - CBS News
Docs: Indiana women poisoned man's root beer float to kill him
Marsha Allen Obituary (2023) - Austin, IN - Buchanan Funeral Home
Killer Mom Pretends To Help Police Solve Husband's Murder By Poisoned Root Beer (It Doesn't Work)
Docs: Mother, daughter poisoned man 4 times before causing death
Friend Outs Serial Killer Family To Save Himself (It Doesn't Work)
Jackson County mother found dead after police uncover murder conspiracy involving poison
Woman to serve 50 years in prison for Jackson County poisoning - 101.5 WKKG
