A family of four was found dead in their Kalispell, Montana home in a suspected murder-suicide moments after police received a chilling 911 call.
Officers with the Kalispell Police Department were dispatched to Werner Peak Trail at 5:52 a.m. on May 11, after receiving a disturbing emergency call from 33-year-old Nicholas Olson-Hartley.
Authorities said the caller ‘made multiple concerning statements to dispatch before disconnecting the call.’
When police arrived at the suburban home, they were initially unable to make contact with anyone inside. But after observing troubling signs outside the residence, officers forced entry—and made a horrifying discovery.
Inside, they found Olson-Hartley and his 27-year-old wife, Katie Olson-Hartley, both dead from apparent gunshot wounds.
As they continued to search the home, officers also discovered the couple’s two children—ages six years and seven months—both fatally shot.
‘Once inside, they discovered Nicholas Olson-Hartley and his wife Katie Olson-Hartley dead from apparent gunshot wounds,’ the Kalispell Police Department said in a statement.
‘Further clearing of the residence led to the discovery of two children, one 6 years old and the other 7 months, also deceased from gunshot wounds.’
Detectives spent the rest of the day collecting evidence and interviewing people close to the family.
Authorities say 33-year-old Nicholas Olson-Hartley (left) called 911 with disturbing statements before committing a murder-suicide with his whole family
Officers discovered the couple’s two children—ages 6 years and 7 months—both fatally shot
Authorities have not publicly commented on a motive or whether Olson-Hartley had a history of mental health issues
The family were tragically found dead at the home (pictured)
Based on their findings, police now believe that Nicholas Olson-Hartley killed his wife and children before turning the gun on himself shortly after calling 911.
‘After collecting evidence throughout the day and interviewing numerous people, we believe this tragic event to be the result of a murder suicide. It appears Nicholas Olson-Hartley took the lives of his young family before calling 911. After making the phone call to dispatch, he took his own life,’ the department said.
Authorities have not publicly commented on a motive or whether Olson-Hartley had a history of mental health issues, but emphasized that the call had come in as a mental health-related emergency.
Police are also working to ensure the officers who responded to the grisly scene receive the support they need. ‘KPD is making all resources available for our officers to ensure they can process this and move forward in a healthy way to continue to serve the Kalispell community,’ the statement added.
‘The Kalispell Police Department mourns with the family that is suffering from this senseless tragedy.’
The case remains under investigation by local authorities and the Montana State Crime Lab. Autopsies are expected to confirm the cause and time of death.
Neighbors and locals have expressed deep shock, describing the neighborhood as peaceful and family-oriented. The Olson-Hartleys were described by those nearby as quiet and unassuming.
As the Kalispell community grieves, officials are encouraging those in crisis to reach out for help. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by dialing 988.