In a heart-wrenching incident that has left the community of Indianapolis in shock and mourning, a former Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Reserve Officer, Thomas Joseph Nolan, 43, is believed to have committed a horrific act of domestic violence, resulting in the death of his wife, Ashley Nolan, 41, and leaving their two young daughters fighting for their lives. The tragedy unfolded on the night of August 12, 2024, in what police are now calling a murder-suicide.
The events of that fateful Monday evening began with a call to the police reporting a “domestic disturbance” at a residence located on Watersonway Circle, a quiet neighborhood nestled in the south side of Indianapolis, just northeast of the intersection of Bluff Road and West Edgewood Avenue. The 911 call, placed around 9:00 PM, set off a chain of events that would devastate the Nolan family and send ripples of grief throughout the community.
As IMPD officers responded to the scene, additional gunshots echoed through the neighborhood, heightening the urgency and dread of what they were about to encounter. Upon arrival, officers made a grim discovery in the backyard of the Nolan residence: the lifeless bodies of Thomas Nolan and his wife, Ashley. Both had succumbed to gunshot wounds, and the scene was immediately identified as a potential murder-suicide.
Investigators quickly pieced together the tragic sequence of events. It appears that Thomas Nolan, a former IMPD Reserve Officer who had retired just a few months prior in May 2024, had taken the life of his wife, Ashley Nolan, before turning the gun on himself. The couple’s two daughters, Jillian and Delaney, both adolescents, were also found at the scene with severe gunshot wounds. The officers acted swiftly, rushing the girls to Riley Children’s Hospital, where one of them was later reported to be in stable condition, while the other remained in critical condition, fighting for her life.
The shock of the incident has reverberated throughout the local community and beyond. Neighbors, friends, and fellow church members of the Nolan family have been left in a state of disbelief. Ashley Nolan, remembered as a devoted mother and faithful believer, was well-known in her community for her commitment to her family and her faith. She was a regular attendee at her local church, where she ensured that her daughters were brought up with strong moral and spiritual values. Her sudden and violent death at the hands of her husband has left those who knew her grappling with the incomprehensible loss.
Thomas Nolan’s actions have raised many questions, particularly given his background as a former law enforcement officer. As an IMPD Reserve Officer, he would have been trained to handle high-stress situations and protect others, making the brutality of his actions even more shocking. His retirement just a few months prior had seemed to mark the beginning of a new chapter for the family, but instead, it has ended in an unimaginable tragedy.
The investigation into the incident is being led by the IMPD in conjunction with the Marion County Coroner’s Office. Authorities are working to understand what may have driven Thomas Nolan to commit such a heinous act. Preliminary reports suggest that the incident was indeed a murder-suicide, but the full details of what transpired inside the Nolan home that night are still under investigation.
As the investigation continues, the focus has also turned to the surviving members of the Nolan family—Jillian and Delaney. The community has rallied around the two young girls, who now face the daunting task of recovering from both their physical injuries and the emotional trauma of losing both parents in such a violent manner. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by James Bowman, a relative of Ashley Nolan, to help cover the medical expenses for the girls and provide support during this incredibly difficult time.
The GoFundMe page, titled “Support for Jillian and Delaney Nolan,” has struck a chord with people far and wide. At the time of this report, the campaign had raised $47,565 toward its goal of $200,000. The page, organized by Jillian Stewart on behalf of Isabelle Adame, expresses the deep grief felt by the family and their determination to support the two girls as they recover. The message on the page reads, “With disbelief and sadness, my wife and I are grieving the loss of our sweet niece Ashley Nolan (41) to a domestic violence incident on 8/12/24 at 9pm. Ashley’s daughters Jillian and Delaney are in Riley Children’s Hospital with gunshot wounds. Please pray and donate to the girls. Ashley was a faithful believer and made sure she took her girls to church weekly. Within seconds the girls lost both parents.”
The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming, with donations coming in from friends, family, and strangers alike. Many have left messages of condolence and encouragement on the GoFundMe page, expressing their heartbreak over the tragedy and their hope for the girls’ recovery. The funds raised will go towards covering the extensive medical bills that are already mounting as a result of the girls’ critical care and will also help provide for their needs in the coming months as they navigate life without their parents.
As the community mourns the loss of Ashley Nolan and grapples with the shocking actions of Thomas Nolan, there is a renewed focus on the issue of domestic violence and the importance of mental health support. Domestic violence is a tragic reality for many families, and this incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and support systems to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
In the days following the incident, local organizations and support groups have come forward to offer assistance to those affected by domestic violence. The tragedy has also sparked conversations about the mental health challenges faced by law enforcement officers and the need for more comprehensive support for those who may be struggling with the pressures of the job and personal issues.
As the investigation continues and the community comes to terms with the loss, the focus remains on the recovery of Jillian and Delaney Nolan. The support from the GoFundMe campaign and the broader community will be crucial in helping the girls rebuild their lives after such a devastating event. Their journey to healing will be long and difficult, but the love and support they are receiving will undoubtedly make a difference in their recovery.
The deaths of Ashley and Thomas Nolan have left a void in the lives of their family and friends, and the entire community is mourning the loss of a mother and father in such tragic circumstances. The Nolan family’s story is one of heartbreak, but it is also a reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
As the community rallies around Jillian and Delaney, they are not only supporting two young girls in their time of need but also honoring the memory of their mother, Ashley Nolan, who was taken from them far too soon. The coming days, weeks, and months will be challenging for the Nolan family, but they will not face this journey alone. The outpouring of love and support from the community is a testament to the impact that Ashley Nolan had on those around her, and it serves as a beacon of hope in the darkest of times.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Indianapolis community stands united in its commitment to supporting the Nolan family and ensuring that Jillian and Delaney have the resources and care they need to heal. The memory of Ashley Nolan will live on through the love and support being shown to her daughters, and the community’s efforts to help them rebuild their lives will be a lasting tribute to her legacy.
GoFundMe page
