A tight-knit Montana community is grappling with shock and sorrow after four members of a young family, including two children, were found dead early Monday morning in what police believe was a murder-suicide.
The Kalispell Police Department responded to a 911 call at approximately 5:52 a.m. from 127 Werner Peak Trail, after 33-year-old Nicholas Olson-Hartley reportedly made disturbing comments before abruptly hanging up.
When officers arrived, they attempted to make contact but received no response. What they saw through the windows led them to force their way into the home. Inside, they discovered a horrific scene: Nicholas Olson-Hartley and his wife, 27-year-old Katie Jean Olson-Hartley, both dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Tragically, their two children—a 6-year-old girl, believed to be their daughter Heidi, and a 7-month-old infant—were also found dead.
Authorities believe Nicholas fatally shot his wife and children before taking his own life. According to initial findings, he made the 911 call shortly after committing the crime.
“The Kalispell Police Department mourns with the family that is suffering from this senseless tragedy,” the department said in a news release. “This is a heartbreaking situation that impacts not only the loved ones of the victims but also our community as a whole.”
The department is providing support resources to officers who responded to the traumatic scene, recognizing the emotional toll such events carry.
Nicholas Olson-Hartley was originally from Kalispell and had been living in Bigfork, Montana. He and Katie Jean were married and welcomed their daughter Heidi on March 22, 2019. Friends describe Katie as a devoted mother and kind-hearted person, whose world revolved around her children.
Investigators are continuing to piece together what may have led to this tragic event. While mental health appears to be a factor, no prior reports of domestic violence involving the family have been released to the public.
As the community mourns, many are left asking how such a tragedy could occur—and what can be done to prevent similar losses in the future.