Arizona Mother Fatally Shot by Chiropractor Ex-Husband in Front of Their Children; He Later Died by Suicide
A 36-year-old Arizona mother was fatally shot outside her home on Memorial Day in what police describe as a murder-suicide witnessed by her two young children. The suspect, her ex-husband and a local chiropractor, later died by self-inflicted gunshot in a nearby desert area.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire around 5:05 p.m. on May 25 in the 6700 block of West Alegria Drive in Marana, where they found Mikaela Durfey suffering from multiple gunshot wounds near the driveway. Despite lifesaving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Marana Police Department.
Police quickly identified the suspect as 37-year-old Brian Schnurr, Durfey’s ex-husband, who had allegedly fled the scene in a blue Dodge Challenger immediately after the shooting. Authorities later located the vehicle near the 8500 block of North Silverbell Road, where officers discovered the couple’s two children — both under 4 years old — inside the car, physically unharmed.
Local news outlets reported that the children witnessed the shooting take place. According to News 4 Tucson, Schnurr had picked up the children and placed them into the vehicle before opening fire on Durfey.
With assistance from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department air unit, officers tracked Schnurr to a remote desert area, where he was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police confirmed the incident is being investigated as a murder-suicide.
Court records show that Durfey filed for divorce from Schnurr in July 2025. Neighbors described hearing multiple shots Monday evening. Longtime resident Charles Wipperman told KOLD 13 News the violence was “very sad and shocking.”
“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.”
Durfey worked as a licensed counselor, according to reports, while Schnurr operated a chiropractic practice. The tragedy has renewed conversations in the community about domestic violence and the trauma inflicted on children exposed to such incidents. Experts note that exposure to domestic violence can have long-lasting psychological effects on young children, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
The investigation remains active. Police are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Marana Police Department at 520-382-2000.
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