Husband Brian Branagin Fatally Shot by Police After Wife Laura “Ellie” Branagin Found Dead During Danville Welfare Check, Indiana State Police Say

A husband and wife are both dead following a domestic incident that unfolded Monday afternoon in Danville, Indiana, according to Indiana State Police.

Authorities identified the couple as 52-year-old Laura “Ellie” Branagin and her husband, 51-year-old Brian Branagin.

Investigators said deputies responded to the couple’s home on Edgewood Drive around 1 p.m. after concerned family members requested a welfare check when they were unable to contact Laura.

When officers arrived, police say Brian Branagin was seen moving in and out of the home carrying a rifle. Authorities ordered him to drop the weapon, but investigators said he instead pointed the rifle toward deputies and officers.

Multiple officers then opened fire, striking Brian Branagin, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

After the shooting, investigators located Laura “Ellie” Branagin deceased outside the home. Indiana State Police confirmed her death was not caused by police gunfire. Her official cause of death has not yet been released as the investigation remains ongoing.

Laura Branagin was a nurse practitioner and co-owner of Total Body Wellness, a wellness clinic with locations in Brownsburg and Greenwood. In a statement, the clinic described her passing as a “profound loss,” praising her compassion, dedication, and commitment to helping patients improve their health and well-being.

Neighbors described the situation as shocking and heartbreaking. One neighbor said police evacuated nearby homes after shots were fired during the incident.

Authorities continue investigating what led up to the deadly encounter and are asking anyone with information to contact investigators.