Police in Arizona say a woman was fatally shot outside her home on Memorial Day in what investigators believe was a murder-suicide involving her ex-husband, leaving behind two very young children who were found unharmed inside the suspect’s vehicle.

Authorities identified the victim as Mikaela Durfey, 36, who was discovered suffering from multiple gunshot wounds near the driveway of her home in Marana, a town northwest of Tucson. Police later identified her former husband, chiropractor Brian Schnurr, 37, as the suspected gunman before he was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in a nearby desert area.

The tragedy unfolded on the evening of May 25 and has left neighbors and community members stunned, particularly after investigators confirmed that the former couple’s two children — both under the age of 4 — were present during part of the violence.

According to a news release issued by the Marana Police Department, officers were called to the 6700 block of West Alegria Drive at approximately 5:05 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting.

When officers arrived, they found Durfey outside the home with what authorities described as “gunshot trauma.” Emergency responders immediately attempted lifesaving measures, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators quickly identified Schnurr as the suspect after witnesses and evidence allegedly indicated he had fled the neighborhood in a blue Dodge Challenger immediately after the shooting.

Police launched an urgent search for the vehicle while additional officers worked to secure the neighborhood and gather information from witnesses.

Reports from local outlets including ABC 15 Arizona, News 4 Tucson and KOLD 13 stated that the couple’s children may have witnessed the horrific violence.

According to News 4 Tucson, Schnurr had allegedly picked up the children and placed them inside the vehicle shortly before Durfey was shot outside the residence.

Authorities later located the Dodge Challenger near the 8500 block of North Silverbell Road. Officers discovered the children inside the vehicle unharmed, according to police.

The children were safely recovered and turned over to appropriate care while investigators continued searching for Schnurr.

With help from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department air unit, officers tracked the suspect to a nearby desert area not far from where the vehicle had been abandoned.

There, police discovered Schnurr dead from what authorities described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“It has been confirmed the two deceased were the parents of the children located in the vehicle,” police said in their statement.

Authorities confirmed the case is being investigated as a murder-suicide.

The incident has shaken residents in the quiet suburban community, where neighbors described the violence as both unexpected and heartbreaking.

Longtime resident Charles Wipperman told local station KOLD that hearing about the deaths left many in the area deeply unsettled.

“Anytime somebody passes away, it’s sad,” Wipperman said. “Whether it’s a friend or a family member, when someone is murdered, no matter who it is, that is horrible.”

Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots shortly before police flooded the area.

Several residents told reporters they initially believed the sounds may have been fireworks because of the holiday weekend, but quickly realized something far more serious had happened when emergency vehicles rushed into the neighborhood.

Court records reviewed by media outlets show that Durfey had filed for divorce from Schnurr in July 2025, less than a year before the fatal incident.

The details of the couple’s separation and any custody arrangements have not yet been publicly disclosed, and investigators have not released information about whether there had been previous reports of domestic violence between the pair.

Neither police nor family members have publicly discussed a possible motive.

However, domestic violence experts note that periods surrounding separation and divorce can be especially dangerous in abusive or emotionally volatile relationships.

News 4 Tucson identified Schnurr as a chiropractor associated with a local practice, while KOLD 13 reported that Durfey worked as a licensed counselor.

Friends and colleagues have begun sharing tributes online remembering Durfey as compassionate, intelligent and deeply devoted to her children.

Several described her career helping others through counseling and mental health support, making the circumstances surrounding her death even more painful for those who knew her.

The shooting also renewed conversations about the lasting trauma experienced by children exposed to domestic violence, even when they are not physically harmed.

Experts say children who witness violent incidents involving parents can suffer long-term emotional and psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress and behavioral struggles.

Authorities have not released details about who currently has custody of the children or what support services are being provided to them following the deaths of both parents.

Investigators continued processing the crime scenes into the following day as detectives worked to reconstruct the timeline leading up to the shooting.

Police have not said whether the shooting occurred during a custody exchange or whether there had been communication between Durfey and Schnurr earlier that day.

The case remains under active investigation, though authorities indicated there is no ongoing threat to the public following Schnurr’s death.

Residents in the normally quiet Marana neighborhood described the heavy police response and helicopter activity as surreal.

Some neighbors said they watched officers move carefully through the desert terrain while searching for the suspect after the children were found abandoned inside the vehicle.

Others placed flowers and candles near the home as word spread about the tragedy.

Domestic violence advocates say murder-suicide cases involving estranged couples are tragically common and often escalate rapidly with little warning visible to outsiders.

According to national statistics, intimate partner violence remains one of the leading causes of homicide involving women in the United States.

Advocates also stress the importance of recognizing warning signs, particularly during divorces, custody disputes or major relationship breakdowns.

Police have not indicated whether either Durfey or Schnurr had previously sought restraining orders or reported threats.

The deaths come amid continuing national concern over family-related violence and the dangers surrounding contentious separations.

For many in the Marana community, the most devastating aspect of the case remains the presence of the young children during the violence.

Neighbors described feeling especially heartbroken knowing the children may have directly witnessed the shooting before being driven away from the scene.

Community members have already begun discussing ways to support the children and extended family members coping with the loss.

As investigators continue piecing together the events of Memorial Day evening, authorities say the focus remains on understanding exactly what led to the fatal confrontation and ensuring the children receive proper care moving forward.

Police have asked anyone with additional information about the incident or the movements of either Durfey or Schnurr before the shooting to contact investigators.

The Marana Police Department has not announced whether additional details, including autopsy findings or witness statements, will be released publicly as the investigation progresses.