Family of Four Found Dead in Kalispell, Montana, Home in Suspected Murder-Suicide

Authorities say 33-year-old Nicholas Olson-Hartley (left) called 911 with disturbing statements before committing a murder-suicide with his whole family

A family of four was found dead inside their Kalispell, Montana home in a suspected murder-suicide early Saturday morning, shortly after police received a chilling 911 call from the father.

At approximately 5:52 a.m. on May 11, officers with the Kalispell Police Department were dispatched to a residence on Werner Peak Trail after 33-year-old Nicholas Olson-Hartley placed an emergency call. Authorities reported that Olson-Hartley made several disturbing statements to dispatchers before abruptly ending the call.

Officers discovered the couple's two children—ages 6 years and 7 months—both fatally shot

Upon arriving at the suburban home, officers were initially unable to make contact with anyone inside. Observing troubling signs around the property, police forced entry and were met with a devastating scene.

Inside, officers found Nicholas Olson-Hartley and his 27-year-old wife, Katie Olson-Hartley, both dead from apparent gunshot wounds. As the search continued, the couple's two children—a six-year-old and a seven-month-old infant—were also discovered deceased, each having sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

Detectives remained on the scene throughout the day, collecting evidence and interviewing individuals close to the family. Preliminary findings indicate that Olson-Hartley fatally shot his wife and children before taking his own life shortly after making the 911 call.

Members of Kalispell Police Department and Flathead County Sheriff's Office work at the scene of an apparent homicide where four people died on Werner Peak Trail in Silverbrook Estates in Kalispell on Sunday, May 11

"After collecting evidence throughout the day and interviewing numerous people, we believe this tragic event to be the result of a murder-suicide," the Kalispell Police Department stated. "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."

Authorities have not confirmed a motive and have not disclosed whether Olson-Hartley had a documented history of mental health issues. However, officials noted that the call was classified as a mental health-related emergency.

Members of Kalispell Police Department and Flathead County Sheriff's Office work at the scene of an apparent homicide where four people died on Werner Peak Trail in Silverbrook Estates in Kalispell on Sunday, May 11

The Kalispell Police Department emphasized its commitment to supporting the responding officers who encountered the traumatic scene. “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 department stated. “The Kalispell Police Department mourns with the family that is suffering from this senseless tragedy.”

The investigation remains ongoing in coordination with the Montana State Crime Lab. Autopsies are expected to provide confirmation of the cause and time of death for all four individuals.

Local residents expressed profound shock, describing the neighborhood as peaceful and family-centered. Neighbors said the Olson-Hartleys had been quiet and unassuming, making the tragedy even more incomprehensible.