A somber atmosphere envelops a Southside neighborhood following a devastating murder-suicide involving a former Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Reserve officer. The suspected shooter, identified as Thomas Joseph Nolan, 43, retired from service in May, brought tragic end to the lives of himself and his wife, Ashley Nolan, 41. Their two teenage daughters were caught in the volley of gunfire, which police say took place on Monday night.

Responding to a call about a domestic disturbance with a weapon shortly after 9 p.m., IMPD officers arrived at the 600 block of Waterson Way Circle to chilling sounds of gunfire coming from Nolan's residence, according to WRTV. The dispatcher, was still on the line with a caller, as officers navigated the chaotic scene that proved fatal for the couple.

In an interview with WISH-TV, neighbor Trevin Jones mistook the initial gunshots for late Fourth of July firecrackers, describing the shots as “pow, pow, pow” in quick succession. The police broke through the glass on the door to gain entry into the house, revealing the enactment of a grim tableau that has since shaken the community.

The tragedy extended beyond the immediate family, as community members grapple with the events. Kaylee Skroko, recounted to IndyStar, the surreal arrival of police vehicles in a neighborhood unaccustomed to such heavy police presence, "It was just wild to see them coming into the neighborhood like that."

Both injured daughters were swiftly taken to the hospital, where one remains in critical condition and the other stable. With efforts now redirecting towards healing, Nancy Snoddy expresses the community's commitment to support the girls in a statement to WRTV: "My heart just ache for those children, no parents, all we can do is pray."