Tragic Murder-Suicide in Indianapolis: Ashley Nolan and Thomas Joseph Nolan Dead, Two Daughters Injured in Domestic Disturbance

A tragic incident on the south side of Indianapolis has left two adults dead and two children injured following what authorities are calling a “domestic disturbance” on Monday evening. The deceased have been identified as Ashley Nolan, 41, and her husband, Thomas Joseph Nolan, 43, a former Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Reserve Officer. The couple’s two teenage daughters were also injured in the incident.

The heartbreaking event unfolded shortly after 9 p.m. on Watersonway Circle, near the intersection of West Edgewood Avenue and Bluff Road. According to reports, as officers were on their way to the scene, they heard multiple gunshots. Upon arrival, they found the bodies of Ashley and Thomas Nolan in the backyard of their residence.

IMPD Officer Tommy Thompson confirmed that the incident was a murder-suicide, with Thomas Nolan being the suspected shooter. He is believed to have fatally shot his wife before turning the gun on himself. The Marion County Coroner’s Office has classified Thomas Nolan’s death as an apparent suicide.

In addition to the deceased adults, two teenagers, who are presumed to be the Nolans’ daughters, were discovered with gunshot wounds. Officer Thompson praised the responding officers for their quick actions in rescuing the injured children. One of the daughters was transported to a hospital in stable condition, while the other remains in serious condition.

“This is an incredibly tragic situation for the families involved,” Officer Thompson stated. “The bravery exhibited by the officers who entered the residence to rescue those teenagers is commendable. That is what we should focus on.”

The incident has left the community in shock as they grapple with the devastating loss of life and the impact on the surviving children. The IMPD and local authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances leading up to the tragic event.

“Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased adults and the injured children,” Thompson added, expressing the deep sorrow felt by the community and the department in the wake of this horrific event.