Katie Olson-Hartley,Nicholas Olson-Hartley Obituary, Death; – A family of four, including two young children, was discovered deceased in their home in northwest Montana following an incident where a man reportedly shot his family, contacted emergency services, and subsequently took his own life, according to authorities on Monday.
Police in Kalispell, a city with a population of nearly 30,000 located near Glacier National Park, reported that the man had made alarming remarks to a 911 operator prior to the arrival of officers at the residence in the Silverbrook Estates neighborhood shortly before 6 a.m. on Sunday. Upon arrival, officers found the family, which included a 7-month-old and a 6-year-old, dead from gunshot wounds, as stated by Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio.
The mother was identified as Katie Olson-Hartley, 27, while the father and alleged shooter was identified as Nicholas Olson-Hartley, 33. Chief Venezio indicated that after gathering evidence throughout the day and interviewing several individuals, investigators believe this tragic incident to be a murder-suicide. It is believed that Nicholas Olson-Hartley fatally shot his family before making the 911 call, during which he made unspecified statements that were described as concerning.
Chief Venezio remarked, ‘It appears Nicholas Olson-Hartley took the lives of his young family before calling 911.’ Following the call to dispatch, he then took his own life. The investigation into the events is ongoing, according to the chief. This incident occurred just a day after a husband, wife, and their two teenage children were found dead in a suspected murder-suicide in Nebraska, as reported by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Court records in Montana indicate that Nicholas Olson-Hartley applied for a marriage license that included his wife’s name in 2018. Katie Olson-Hartley’s verified Facebook page showcases numerous photographs of their daughters, both girls. In 2023, she described a photo of herself and Nicholas Olson-Hartley amidst autumn leaves as a loving image, stating, ‘This is how people look at each other in movies when they’re in love.’
The neighborhood, a planned community called Silverbrook Estates adjacent to the Stillwater River, features homes built in the last five years, some listed for sale with asking prices of more than $1 million
The community’s developer, Westcraft Homes, said in a statement on Monday, “We are deeply saddened by the recent tragic loss of one of our Silverbrook families. 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.”
It urged neighbors to appreciate each other. “Let us honor the lives lost by fostering kindness, reaching out, and lifting one another up,” it said. “Let us support, listen, and show compassion. Together, we can help by choosing compassion and knowledge.”
