Mothers Day Tragedy: 4 people Found Dead in Silverbrook Estates Murder-Suicide, Kalispell Police Launch Investigation

KALISPELL, Mont. — The quiet, suburban neighborhood of Silverbrook Estates was shaken to its core on the morning of Sunday, May 11, 2025, when law enforcement officials discovered the bodies of four individuals who appeared to have been the victims of a brutal murder-suicide. The identities of the victims have now been confirmed as Victoria “Vicki” Garner, Sean Johnson, Naomi Johnson, and Emily Pearson, who were found dead inside a private residence following a distress call related to a mental health concern.

The Tragic Discovery

It was shortly after 8 a.m. when the Kalispell Police Department received a report from a concerned family member regarding a mental health crisis involving an individual inside the home. Upon arrival, officers forced entry into the residence and were immediately confronted with the grisly scene: four people, each of whom had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. The scene, located in the typically peaceful and quiet community of Silverbrook Estates, was one of shock and horror as officers confirmed the tragic deaths.

Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio confirmed the situation during a press briefing, noting that all four victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The incident has since become the subject of an intensive homicide investigation led by the Kalispell Police Department, in collaboration with state and federal agencies. Despite the chilling nature of the discovery, Chief Venezio assured the public that there was no immediate threat to the community and that the investigation was being conducted with careful attention to detail.

The Victims: Who Were They?

The four individuals found dead have been identified as Victoria “Vicki” Garner, Sean Johnson, Naomi Johnson, and Emily Pearson. As the investigation continues to unfold, authorities have not released specific details about the nature of their relationships. However, sources close to the investigation revealed some early insights into their backgrounds.

Victoria “Vicki” Garner, 41, was a local real estate agent and a well-known figure in Kalispell. Described as a warm, outgoing individual with a keen business sense, she had lived in the area for over a decade. Many who knew her described her as a loving mother to her two children and a woman who was deeply invested in her community. Vicki’s sudden and tragic death has left many friends and colleagues in shock, and they are struggling to comprehend the brutality of the events.

Sean Johnson, 43, and his wife, Naomi Johnson, 40, were residents of Kalispell for most of their lives. Sean was an entrepreneur, co-owning a local construction company, while Naomi worked as a nurse at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Known for their quiet and private nature, they were highly respected in their respective fields. The Johnsons were married for 17 years and had two teenage children, both of whom were reportedly not home at the time of the incident. Friends of the family expressed deep sadness over the loss of a couple who had contributed so much to their local community, often volunteering their time for charity events.

Emily Pearson, 28, was a recent college graduate who had returned to Kalispell to start her career in marketing. Emily was known for her bright personality and ambition, and she had recently moved back to the area to be closer to family. Friends and acquaintances described her as someone with a vibrant energy and a passion for helping others. Emily’s untimely death has left her family devastated and struggling to make sense of this incomprehensible loss.

The families of the victims are reportedly still in the process of being notified. Law enforcement has not released further details on their personal lives or on the specific circumstances that led to their tragic deaths.

A Community in Shock

The Silverbrook Estates neighborhood, typically known for its serene atmosphere, has been rocked by the tragic incident. Residents of the quiet suburban enclave have expressed their disbelief, with many stating that they had no idea of any previous tensions or conflicts within the household involved. The neighborhood, which features large, well-maintained homes and tree-lined streets, had always been seen as a peaceful and family-friendly place to live.

“I just can’t believe something like this could happen here,” said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “This is a small town. Everyone knows everyone. It’s just heartbreaking.”

The tragic event also left the community grappling with the unsettling thought of mental health crises and their devastating consequences. While authorities have not confirmed the exact motivations behind the killings, mental health issues often play a role in such tragedies. Experts suggest that while not all individuals experiencing mental health issues will turn violent, it is crucial to understand the complexities of mental illness, and the need for accessible support services in times of crisis.

The Police Investigation

Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio assured the public that the authorities were doing everything in their power to uncover the truth about the incident. The department has been working tirelessly with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to piece together what happened in the Silverbrook Estates home in the hours leading up to the deaths.

“The investigation is ongoing, and we are treating this case with the utmost priority,” Chief Venezio said during a press briefing on Sunday afternoon. “At this time, we are unable to comment further on the relationships between the individuals involved or the specific circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether one of the deceased individuals may have been the shooter or whether someone else was responsible for the tragic deaths. Investigators are still working to analyze evidence at the crime scene and to conduct interviews with those who may have had contact with the victims prior to the murders. Surveillance footage from nearby homes and security cameras are also being reviewed as part of the investigation.

The Kalispell Police Department has asked anyone who may have information about the events leading up to the incident or the victims’ interactions with each other to come forward. They have set up a tip line for residents to share any relevant information that could assist in solving the case.

Emotional Responses and the Aftermath

The emotional toll on the families of the victims, as well as on the Kalispell community at large, has been profound. A vigil has been planned for later this week to honor the victims and to provide support to those affected by the tragedy. Local counselors and mental health professionals are also offering free services to anyone in the community who may need emotional support as they process the shocking event.

“It’s a heartbreaking reminder that sometimes people are struggling, and we may not see the signs,” said Dr. Angela Thompson, a local therapist. “Our hearts go out to the families and friends who are dealing with this devastating loss, and we want to ensure that the community knows we are here for them.”

The loss of Vicki Garner, Sean and Naomi Johnson, and Emily Pearson is still incomprehensible to those who knew them. They were all described as kind-hearted and caring individuals who left a positive mark on the community. As the investigation continues, Kalispell residents are grappling with their grief, while law enforcement works tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the tragedy.

Mental Health and Gun Violence in the U.S.

While much of the focus in the immediate aftermath of this tragedy has been on the identities of the victims and the details of the crime scene, there is also a larger conversation brewing around mental health and gun violence in the United States. The tragedy in Kalispell is only the latest in a series of domestic violence and mental health-related deaths that have raised questions about access to care, societal stigma, and the responsibilities of those around individuals in crisis.

Authorities are urging anyone who may be struggling with mental health issues, or who suspects someone they know may be experiencing a crisis, to seek help immediately. Resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), local crisis centers, and mental health professionals are available to provide assistance to those in need. The event also highlights the importance of early intervention, as well as ongoing support for individuals in crisis, in an effort to prevent tragedies like the one that occurred in Kalispell.

A Call for Answers

As the investigation continues, the primary question remains: why did this happen? Was it a case of a domestic dispute that escalated into violence? Did a mental health issue contribute to the tragic outcome? And who, if anyone, was responsible for the deaths? The Kalispell Police Department has not ruled out any possibilities, and authorities have promised to keep the public updated as new information emerges.

For now, the residents of Kalispell, Montana, are left to mourn the loss of four lives in the midst of a senseless tragedy, while hoping for answers that will bring closure to the victims’ families and the entire community. The silence of Silverbrook Estates will likely never be the same, as the town comes to terms with the enormity of what has occurred in their peaceful neighborhood.