A Nebraska family is facing an unimaginable tragedy after a mother of three was found shot to death alongside her husband in what authorities are investigating as a murder-suicide.
Ashley Moes, 34, was found dead inside her rural Pierce County home on Wednesday, Sept. 2, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
Her husband, 37-year-old Jordan Moes, was also found dead inside the residence.
Authorities said deputies were called to the home, located just north of Osmond, at around 7:09 a.m. after receiving a report that two people inside may have been dead.
When officers arrived, they found Ashley and Jordan each suffering from a single gunshot wound.
Investigators said the preliminary evidence indicates Jordan shot and killed Ashley before taking his own life.
Police have not publicly revealed a motive.
The couple were high school sweethearts who married in 2013 and went on to have three children together, family members told KTIV.
Their surviving children are believed to be 3, 6 and 8 years old, based on family photos shared on social media.
Ashley worked as a nurse in nearby Plainview and was remembered by those who knew her as compassionate, caring and deeply committed to her patients.
One person who reacted to the sheriff’s office announcement described Ashley as one of their “favorite RNs” and praised her for the empathy and passion she showed while caring for others.
Ashley also frequently shared glimpses of family life on social media, posting photos of ordinary moments with her children as well as major milestones.
Jordan worked as a generational farmer, continuing a family tradition in the area.
The couple’s deaths have left the tiny community of Osmond, home to roughly 800 people, stunned.
Mayor Dennis Kuhl described Osmond as a “small, close-knit community” and said residents were struggling to process the loss.
“At a time like this, I’m lost for words,” Kuhl said Thursday. “Today, the City of Osmond mourns the loss of two people.”
Community members have since begun rallying around the couple’s children, with friends, relatives and neighbors focusing on helping them through the devastating loss.
Kuhl also emphasized that the children’s well-being should remain the community’s main concern in the days ahead.
Authorities have not released additional details about what may have happened in the hours before the shooting.
The investigation remains ongoing.
