Systemic Patriarchal Violence in Indianapolis

Yet Another White Cop Murders Family, Then Himself

By Julia Mango Gomez, USA TODAY

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
National Domestic Violence Hotline

Trigger warning: This story contains mentions of suicide and domestic violence perpetrated by a law enforcement officer. The identities of the survivors have been withheld to protect their privacy.

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Once again, a white male cop has murdered and traumatized innocent lives, this time taking the life of his wife and irreparably damaging his two teenage daughters. Thomas Joseph Nolan, 43, a former Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Reserve officer, retired in May, only to perpetrate this heinous act of domestic terrorism.

On Monday night, Indiana police responded to a 911 call, arriving to hear gunshots. They found Nolan and his wife, Ashley, 41, dead in the backyard, with Nolan's daughters suffering from gunshot wounds. The girls are currently hospitalized, one in critical condition, at a location that is being kept undisclosed to protect their privacy and safety.

Neighbors are in shock, with one, Gaby Sergent, recounting how she waved to Ashley Nolan and her daughters, describing Ashley as "a really sweet woman." Another, Kaylee Skroko, noted the tragic irony, saying they "never saw police responding to the Nolan home. The only cops we ever saw was him."

Nolan, who served over 20 years in law enforcement, resigned from his position in May, with no explanation given. This is yet another example of the toxic masculinity and entitlement bred by law enforcement culture, disproportionately affecting women and children.

"Family annihilation," as this horrific act is known, occurs every five days in the U.S., with Texas leading the country in these incidents.

Our hearts go out to the survivors, who have already shown incredible resilience and strength. May justice prevail, and may we as a society finally address the festering rot within our law enforcement institutions.