Authorities Investigating Apparent Murder-Suicide After Four Family Members Found Dead in Madbury
MADBURY, N.H. — A small New Hampshire community is reeling after authorities confirmed that four members of a family were found dead in their home Monday night in what investigators believe to be a murder-suicide.
Police were called to a residence on Moharimet Drive in Madbury late Monday, where they discovered the bodies of Emily Long, 34; her husband, Ryan Long, 48; their son, Parker, 8; and daughter, Ryan, 6. Each of the victims had sustained apparent gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene.
In a tragic yet extraordinary turn, a toddler was also located inside the home. Officials confirmed the child survived the incident physically unharmed and is now in protective custody.
Investigation Underway
The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office and State Police Major Crime Unit are leading the investigation. While authorities have not yet confirmed the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths, evidence collected so far supports the preliminary conclusion that this was a murder-suicide carried out within the family home.
Officials have not yet released who they believe was the shooter, citing the need to complete forensic testing and further investigative steps. Autopsies are scheduled to provide confirmation of the causes and manners of death.
A Community in Shock
Madbury, a quiet town in Strafford County, has been left stunned by the tragedy. Neighbors described the Long family as private but friendly, and the news of the children’s deaths has been particularly devastating.
Schools in the Oyster River Cooperative School District, where Parker and Ryan attended, are preparing grief counseling services for students, staff, and families affected by the loss. District officials called the situation “unimaginable” and urged the community to lean on one another for support.
“This is a heartbreaking day for Madbury,” one resident shared. “It’s hard to process how something so tragic could happen right here in our neighborhood.”
Authorities Stress Mental Health Awareness
While investigators have not yet provided details on a motive, officials took the opportunity to remind residents of the importance of mental health resources and community support systems. Tragedies of this nature, they said, highlight the critical need for individuals to reach out for help in times of crisis.
Local leaders urged anyone struggling with overwhelming personal or family stress to seek counseling, speak with trusted loved ones, or contact crisis hotlines.
Support for the Surviving Child
Perhaps the most sobering aspect of the tragedy is the survival of the Longs’ youngest child, a toddler who will now face life without their immediate family. Authorities said child welfare services are working closely with extended relatives to ensure the child is placed in a safe, supportive environment.
Community members have already expressed a willingness to step forward with support, donations, and care for the surviving child, underscoring the resilience and compassion that often emerge in times of grief.
Moving Forward
As investigators continue to piece together the events of that night, the residents of Madbury are left to grieve and to remember Emily, Ryan, Parker, and young Ryan. Vigils are expected to be organized in the coming days, providing space for neighbors and friends to come together in remembrance.
For now, the community mourns the loss of four lives in what authorities have called an “unfathomable tragedy.” While answers may eventually emerge from the ongoing investigation, nothing can erase the heartbreak left behind.
