Woman accused of murdering fifth husband after fatally sh00ting fiancé | HO!!!!

Woman accused of murdering fifth husband after fatally sh00ting fiancé | HO!!!!

Chambers County, Texas — Sarah Hartzfield, 50, is currently on trial for the death of Joseph Hartzfield, her fifth husband, just years after fatally shooting a fiancé in what was initially ruled as self-defense. Now, with prosecutors re-examining her tangled history, the question arises: Is Sarah Hartzfield simply unlucky in love, or is she a calculating killer hiding in plain sight?

A Trail of Dead Husbands and Broken Lives

Sarah Hartzfield’s life reads like a dark soap opera. Five marriages, one dead fiancé, and an alleged murder plot against a rival. As the trial unfolds in a Texas courtroom, the details grow more bizarre by the day.

The latest chapter began in January 2023, when Joseph Hartzfield, 46, was found dead from what authorities say was a toxic insulin overdose. Joseph was a diabetic, and the manner of his death remains officially “undetermined”—a major hurdle for prosecutors. Yet, the circumstances surrounding his demise have cast a long shadow over Sarah, who has pleaded not guilty and spent two years in jail awaiting trial.

The Night Joseph Died

Joseph’s death was anything but straightforward. He wore a glucose monitor that would beep audibly when his blood sugar reached dangerous levels. Testimony revealed the device had been sounding alarms for hours before Sarah called for help. Prosecutors say she waited a full hour before dialing 911—a delay they argue was intentional and part of a murder plan. Sarah’s defense counters that she was recovering from surgery, was groggy from medication, and believed Joseph could manage his own diabetes.

The defense argues that Joseph was notoriously lax about his insulin regimen, a point supported by his own doctor, who testified that Joseph frequently ignored medical advice and failed to take his insulin consistently. But the prosecution paints a darker picture, highlighting Sarah’s alleged resentment toward Joseph’s lack of income and his close ties to his family. The couple had been married less than a year, and Joseph was reportedly preparing to leave Sarah—opening a new bank account and confiding in nurses about his plans for divorce.

Red Flags and Family Feuds

Joseph’s mother and sister testified that Sarah barred them from seeing Joseph in the hospital and excluded them from the funeral. They held their own memorial, refusing to let Sarah attend. The family described Joseph as fearful for his life, claiming he confided that Sarah might kill him in his sleep. The tension was palpable, and the animosity between Sarah and Joseph’s family has become a focal point of the trial.

Adding fuel to the fire, Sarah allegedly had someone film her grieving over Joseph’s hospital bed—a gesture many found unsettling, as if she was putting on a show for the cameras.

A History of Violence: The Fiancé Shooting

But Joseph’s death is not the only cloud hanging over Sarah Hartzfield. In 2018, she shot and killed her fiancé, David Bragg, during a heated argument. Sarah claimed self-defense, saying David became violent and fired at her first. Prosecutors in Minnesota ruled the shooting justifiable at the time, but now, in light of the murder charges in Texas, they are taking a second look.

The case is complicated by the lack of new evidence, but the fact remains: Sarah shot David through the heart—a feat of marksmanship that some find suspicious, given her military background.

Alleged Murder Plot: A Tangled Web

If the deaths weren’t enough, Sarah’s fourth husband has testified about an alleged murder-for-hire plot. According to police records and court documents, Sarah allegedly pressured her then-husband to kill the new wife of her third husband, Christopher Donahghue, with whom she shares four children.

The plot was never carried out, but it was serious enough for a judge to grant a protective order barring Sarah from contact with Christopher and his family for two years. The FBI reportedly asked local police to conduct extra patrols around Christopher’s home—a chilling detail that underscores the perceived threat.

The Husbands Speak Out

Two of Sarah’s former husbands have been subpoenaed to testify in the current trial. Titus, her first husband, famously said he was “shocked to survive the marriage.” His new wife, Angela, told reporters that Sarah refused to leave their lives, even after the divorce. Michael, her second husband, has not spoken to Sarah in years. Christopher, husband number three, divorced Sarah in 2017 and was the target of the alleged murder plot.

Each ex-husband describes Sarah as manipulative, controlling, and, in some cases, dangerous. Titus joked about surviving the marriage, but now, with two dead men in Sarah’s wake, the joke has turned deadly serious.

A Calculated Manipulator or Victim of Circumstance?

Sarah’s defense team is working hard to poke holes in the prosecution’s case. They point to the undetermined manner of Joseph’s death, his history of poor medical management, and Sarah’s own health issues at the time. They argue that Sarah did call 911 and that Joseph’s death could be a tragic accident, not murder.

But prosecutors have introduced evidence of Sarah’s resentment toward Joseph, her history of violence, and the alleged murder plot. They argue that Sarah’s pattern of behavior—multiple marriages, controlling tendencies, and a willingness to resort to violence—paints a picture of a woman who will do anything to get what she wants.

Social Media and the Grieving Widow Act

After Joseph’s death, Sarah took to Facebook, posting emotional messages about her grief and loss. She claimed to be numb and devastated, listening to Joseph’s old voicemails to hear his voice. But friends say Sarah was anything but loving toward Joseph before his death. According to NBC News, Sarah complained that she had paid for everything and resented Joseph for being a “mama’s boy” who couldn’t handle real relationship problems.

A Trial Full of Twists

Sarah was indicted in February 2023 and held on a $5 million bond, later reduced to $2 million. Her trial began on September 29, 2025, with a jury of eight men and four women. Opening arguments focused on Sarah’s alleged resentment toward Joseph and her determination to prevent him from leaving her. The defense maintains that the prosecution cannot prove murder, given the lack of a definitive homicide ruling and Joseph’s medical history.

The trial is expected to last three weeks, with the possibility that Sarah herself may take the stand. The outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: The jury will have to decide whether Sarah Hartzfield is a victim of circumstance or a calculating killer who left a trail of death and destruction in her wake.

The Bigger Picture: Lessons in Red Flags and Relationships

As the case unfolds, it serves as a grim reminder of the importance of recognizing red flags in relationships. Sarah’s story is a cautionary tale about manipulation, control, and the deadly consequences of ignoring warning signs. For the families of Joseph and David, justice may be elusive, but the truth is finally coming to light.

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