Montana man commits murder-suicide, killing wife, infant, and 6-year-old daughter.

A tragic incident in Kalispell, Montana, has led to the deaths of a family of four, including two young children, in an alleged murder-suicide. The events unfolded on Mother’s Day, as authorities reported that 33-year-old Nicholas Olson-Hartley fatally shot his wife and their two daughters, ages 7 months and 6 years, before turning the gun on himself.

Kalispell Police responded to a concerning 911 call made by Olson-Hartley, during which he expressed distressing statements before abruptly disconnecting. When officers arrived at the family’s residence, they were unable to make contact with anyone inside. Concerned for the welfare of the individuals within, police officers forced entry into the home, where they tragically discovered the bodies of Olson-Hartley, his wife Katie Olson-Hartley, 27, and their two daughters.

Police Chief Jordan Venezio indicated that investigators believe the family members had already succumbed to their injuries by the time the 911 call was made, asserting that Olson-Hartley shot himself as law enforcement was en route to the scene. Chief Venezio stated that the evidence gathered throughout the day pointed toward a devastating murder-suicide scenario.

The couple’s 6-year-old daughter, Heidi Hartley-Olson, was a student at Edgerton Elementary School. In a statement released to the community, Superintendent Matt Jensen reflected on her character, describing her as “kind, thoughtful, and a bright light.” A crisis counseling team has been activated to support students, parents, and staff in the wake of this tragedy.

The family resided in Silverbrook Estates, a neighborhood within Kalispell, a city with a population of approximately 30,000, situated on the outskirts of Glacier National Park. This incident marks the second murder-suicide involving a young family within just two days, as earlier in the weekend, a man in Nebraska reportedly fatally stabbed his wife and two sons, coinciding with the graduation of one of the children.

As the community mourns this heartbreaking loss, officials encourage any individuals experiencing similar distress or facing mental health challenges to reach out for help. Resources and support are available for those in need during such troubling times.

In light of these events, the importance of mental health awareness and community support has never been more paramount. The Kalispell Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in the community’s recovery efforts.