A family of four, including two young children, was discovered dead in a Montana home following a suspected murder-suicide, according to police.
On Sunday, May 11, just before 6 a.m. local time, the Kalispell Police Department (KPD) responded after a man — later identified as the family’s husband and father — allegedly made “multiple concerning statements to dispatch,” before ending a mental health emergency call, according to Chief of Police Jordan Venezio in a Tuesday, May 12 release obtained by PEOPLE.
Officers discovered the family, which included a 7-month-old baby and a 6-year-old child, dead from gunshot wounds at the home, Venezio confirmed. The property was located in Silverbrook Estates, according to NBC News.
Police have identified the father and suspected shooter as Nicholas Olson-Hartley, 33, and the mother as Katie Olson-Hartley, 27.
“It appears Nicholas Olson-Hartley took the lives of his young family before calling 911,” police chief Venezio said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE, adding, “After making the phone call to dispatch, he took his own life.”
“The Kalispell Police Department mourns with the families affected by this senseless tragedy. KPD is providing all resources to our officers to ensure that they can process this and move forward in a healthy manner in order to continue serving the Kalispell community,” police said.
“After collecting evidence throughout the day and interviewing numerous people, we believe this tragic event to be the result of a murder suicide,” Venezio claimed, according to the release.
KPD stated that they believe this is an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing risk to the public.
“We are deeply saddened by the recent tragic loss of one of our Silverbrook families,” Westcraft Homes, the real estate developer for the Silverbrook Estates community, wrote on Facebook on Monday, May 12, without naming the family.
“Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences go out to all who are grieving — especially the extended family, neighbors, and friends affected by this unimaginable tragedy,” according to the post. “And to the first responders whose responsibilities in such situations can bring trauma and heartbreak into their lives too.”
“Let us remember the lives lost by spreading kindness, reaching out, and lifting one another up. “Let us support, listen, and be compassionate,” they added.
