Marana police are investigating a tragic murder-suicide that resulted in the deaths of two people on May 25. The incident occurred at a residence on the 6700 block of West Alegria Drive around 5:05 p.m., when officers from the Marana Police Department and Northwest Fire District responded to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found an adult woman, later identified as 36-year-old Mikaela Durfey, in front of the home near the driveway with gunshot wounds. Despite lifesaving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Neighbors left flowers, balloons, and a candle outside the home, with many rushing to try to resuscitate Durfey after hearing the gunshots.
Investigators learned that the suspect was her ex-husband, Brian Schnurr, who was associated with a blue Dodge Challenger seen fleeing the scene immediately after the shooting. Witnesses described seeing a neighbor run toward the scene, tear off her hat, and exclaim, “They killed her, he killed her,” highlighting the shock and chaos of the moment. The police soon located Schnurr’s vehicle near the 8500 block of North Silverbell Road. Inside, they found two young children under the age of four, unharmed and safe. Nobody else was inside the vehicle.
With assistance from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department’s air unit, authorities spotted Schnurr in a nearby desert area. They found him deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The 37-year-old Schnurr has been confirmed as Durfey’s ex-husband, and both are the parents of the two children found in the vehicle. The children are now a primary concern for neighbors, including Terry Nottingham, who expressed hope they receive the love and care they need during this difficult time.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Marana Police Department at 520-382-2000. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
