Carroll County woman charged with murder identified as Army veteran, claims self defense

Share:

  • Kishman's
  • screenshot 2024 02 07 at 5.11.09 pm
  • slam dunk
  • screen shot 2023 10 25 at 4.28.31 pm
  • Daystar North Canton
  • Crowl Interiors in Malvern, Ohio
  • lifecare rotator ad
  • Daystar Malvern

A Carroll County woman is behind bars after she claims she shot and killed her boyfriend during a domestic incident.

Audrey Kole, 34, also known as Audrey Branch, appeared in municipal court Tuesday afternoon for arraignment in the alleged murder. She was charged with Murder and Felonious Assault.

Carroll County Sheriff Dale Williams said his department was dispatched to 6344 Arbor Rd NE., Mechanicstown for a reported shooting. When they arrived on scene, they located Matthew M. Mott, 32, dead from an apparent gunshot wound.

During the court hearing, Branch told Judge Gary Willen she served 10 years in the U.S. Army, causing her to travel a lot. After her discharge, she traveled a lot with Mott.

Branch is a mother to three children, ages 3, 9 and 11. The three-year-old was at the home when the shooting occurred, according to officials.

Branch originally called 911 saying she shot her boyfriend. She claims she was being attacked and shot him in self defense.

Bond was set at $1,000,000. Carroll County Prosecutor Steven Barnett said her bond is set in the high amount due to her not having family and friends in the area and ties to other places outside of Ohio.

Branch is scheduled to appear in court May 12 at 11 a.m.