The quiet neighborhood of Billings was shaken to its core after police uncovered a devastating tragedy inside the home of Nicki and Larry Ketterling, both 77. Officers arrived just after 9 p.m. Sunday following multiple reports of gunshots. When they entered the couple’s residence, they found both Nicki and Larry dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Investigators quickly determined that Larry had fatally shot his wife before turning the gun on himself, marking the case as a murder-suicide. Authorities confirmed that no one else was involved and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Neighbors described the Ketterlings as kind, reserved, and deeply rooted in the community—a couple who had spent decades together and were always willing to lend a hand. They were known for tending their yard together and greeting others during their evening walks. “They were the kind of people you wave to every day,” one neighbor said. “It’s just heartbreaking to think something like this happened behind closed doors.”
Detectives with the Billings Police Department spent hours processing the scene, collecting evidence and statements from those who knew the pair. Though the investigation remains ongoing, early findings suggest personal or medical struggles may have contributed to the tragedy. Crisis counselors have been made available to nearby residents and family members affected by the event.
The Ketterlings’ deaths have cast a somber shadow over the close-knit neighborhood, leaving friends and relatives grappling with grief and unanswered questions. As the community mourns, local authorities urge anyone facing emotional or domestic difficulties to seek help before a crisis escalates. The loss of Nicki and Larry serves as a painful reminder of how fragile life and relationships can be—and how even the most peaceful homes can hide silent suffering.
