In a tragic story, a former police officer, Thomas Joseph Nolan, has been accused of committing murder-suicide. According to Indianapolis officials, the former officer shot his daughters before proceeding to kill their mother and himself.
On Monday, August 12, 2024, around 9 p.m., the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police were informed about an ongoing domestic incident. The 911 call had been placed by the victims, who reported that the incident involved a weapon. However, when the officers arrived at the police station around the location, they were already late.
It Began With a Call About a Domestic Violence Incident
Thomas Joseph Nolan, 43 years old, a former Indiana police reserve officer, has been identified as the main culprit in the murder-suicide. When the police arrived at the location, they heard a minimum of a gunshot from the location the 911 call came from.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) said, “Upon officers’ arrival, they heard at least one gunshot from the dispatched location. Officers made their way into the residence in an attempt to stop the threat and any potential loss of life.”
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After making their way into the house, the police located Thomas’ two teenage daughters, who had been shot. Subsequently, the police continued their search of the building, where they discovered Thomas and his wife’s lifeless body with the murder weapon in the backyard.
Thomas’ wife has been identified as Ashley Nolan, 51 years old, with the confirmation that the couple had been married for 18 years.
Thomas Joseph Nolan’s Daughters Hospitalized
Although Thomas’ daughters survived the incident, they sustained injuries, causing the police to request emergency services. Emergency medical staff responded promptly, and the teenagers, identified as Delaney and Jillian Nolan, were taken to Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University.
According to the police statement, although one of Thomas’ daughters is in stable condition, the other sustained severe injuries, making her condition critical. Following the tragic incident, the Perry Township Metropolitan School District released a statement.
The school district said, “We are deeply saddened and disturbed to hear about the tragic incident that happened Monday night. We ask that you join us in keeping the students and their families in your thoughts and prayers.”
Additionally, the statement promises to ensure that counselors will be available for staff and students. Thomas’ daughters are students at Perry Meridian School and attended the high school until the night of the incident. Subsequently, Ashley’s uncle, Jim Bowman, created a GoFundMe account, raising over $90,000 for the girls.
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What We Know About Thomas Joseph Nolan
Thomas Joseph Nolan started his police career on March 8, 2004, as a reserve officer with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. On May 15, 2024, Thomas resigned from his position in the department after more than two decades.
However, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police have yet to reveal the reason behind Thomas’ resignation. In 2003, before joining the police, Thomas worked as a reserve deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, he was a resource officer with the Perry Schools Police Department until he left in September 2017.
What the Neighbors Said About Thomas Joseph Nolan Shooting
Around 11 p.m. on August 12, 2024, Gaby Sergent, a neighbor of the Nolans, had taken a walk around the neighborhood when she saw the police. The police had been investigating the house following the incident.
When Sergent was informed about the shooting, she said, “This all was just so shocking. I could never imagine this in our neighborhood.” According to Sergent, over the last 10 years, she has resided behind the Nolans, with whom she shares a fence.
Sergent revealed that she was friends with Ashley, with whom she occasionally discussed the neighborhood or gardening. She also claims that every time she saw Ashley and her daughters, she always sent a wave their way.
Subsequently, Sergent described Ashley as a nice, neat, and sweet woman who was always smiling. Another neighbor, Kaylee Skroko, revealed that this was the first time she had seen officers other than Thomas in the Nolan home. Skroko added that she was aware of when Thomas killed Ashley and the subsequent police arrival.
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How Often Does Family Annihilation Occur?
Gun violence isn’t new in America, with many people becoming indifferent to news coverage of these deaths. However, when news about family annihilation is released, even the most desensitized viewers notice.
Family annihilation, by definition, is a phenomenon in America where someone tries to kill both himself and their entire family. An analysis by IndyStar, based on media reports and data from the Gun Violence Archive, reveals that family annihilation occurs approximately every five days.
The analysis also claims Texas has the highest rate of family annihilation in America.
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