On September 30, 2015, law enforcement authorities in Independence, Missouri, were dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of South Ash Avenue following a 911 call regarding a potential domestic violence disturbance. Upon arriving at the scene late that Wednesday afternoon, officers entered the northwest Independence home to discover two individuals deceased inside. Among the deceased was 66-year-old male Phillip A.
Hurlburt, a longtime resident of the area, who was found alongside his wife, Barbara J. Olsen, also 66.
Detectives immediately secured the scene to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Authorities determined that a firearm had been involved in the fatal incident. Following the initial examination of the evidence at the residence, the Independence Police Department classified the case as an apparent murder-suicide.
Due to the nature of the investigation concluding that the individuals involved were the two found within the home, police did not seek any outside suspects in connection with the shooting. Consequently, there were no arrests made or charges filed against any third parties. The investigation indicated that the tragic event was contained within the residence, bringing the inquiry to a close without a criminal trial.
