Two dead in apparent Independence murder-suicide

Two Independence residents have died in an apparent murder-suicide.

Late Wednesday afternoon, Independence police officers responded to a 911 call regarding a possible domestic violence disturbance in the 800 block of South Ash Avenue.

Officers who arrived shortly after 5:45 p.m. found two deceased individuals inside the northwest Independence residence.

The victims were identified as Phillip A. Hurlburt, 66, and his wife, Barbara J. Olsen, also 66.

Detectives are investigating the incident as an apparent murder-suicide. A firearm was used, said John Syme, Independence police spokesman.

Brian Burnes, bburnes@kcstar.com

This story was originally published October 1, 2015 at 2:40 PM with the headline "Two dead in apparent Independence murder-suicide."