Police say Mikaela Durfey, 36, was shot dead outside her home by her ex-husband, Brian Schnurr. The couple’s two children, both under 4 years old, were later found unharmed inside his vehicle

Children witnessed Marana murder suicide

Credit : dovemountainchiropractic;News 4 Tucson KVOA-TV

A woman was fatally shot outside her Arizona home and her two young children allegedly witnessed the violence before their father fled the scene and killed himself nearby, according to authorities.

Officers responding to reports of a shooting around 5:05 p.m. on May 25 found 36-year-old Mikaela Durfey suffering from “gunshot trauma” near the driveway of her home in the 6700 block of West Alegria Drive in Marana, according to a Marana Police Department news release.

Lifesaving efforts were attempted, but Durfey was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Authorities identified Durfey’s ex-husband, 37-year-old Brian Schnurr, as the suspect after learning he had allegedly fled the scene directly after the shooting in a blue Dodge Challenger, according to the release.

ABC 15 Arizona, KOLD 13 News and News 4 Tucson reported that the couple’s children bore witness to the violence. Schnurr allegedly shot Durfey after picking up the children and putting them into the vehicle, according to News 4.

Brian Schnurr
Brian Schnurr.dovemountainchiropractic

Police later located the car near the 8500 block of North Silverbell Road, where officers found the former couple’s two children — both under 4 years old — inside unharmed, per the release.

With assistance from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department air unit, officers then located Schnurr in a nearby desert area, where he was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, the release states.

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

Marana murder suicide

Marana murder suicide.News4TucsonKVOA/Youtube

Police confirmed the investigation is being treated as a murder-suicide.

News 4 Tucson identified Schnurr as a local chiropractor, while KOLD 13 News reported Durfey worked as a licensed counselor. Court records reviewed by PEOPLE show Durfey filed for divorce from Schnurr in July 2025.

Neighbors told KOLD they heard multiple gunshots Monday evening, with longtime resident Charles Wipperman describing the incident as “very sad and shocking.”

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

The investigation remains active and ongoing, police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Marana Police Department at 520-382-2000.