Four members of a family were found dead from gunshot wounds in their Madbury, New Hampshire home on Monday, August 19, 2025, in what authorities have determined was a murder-suicide. A toddler was discovered alive and unharmed in the residence.
Police officers discovered the bodies of Emily Long, 34; her husband Ryan Long, 48; and their children Parker Long, eight, and Ryan Long, six, around 8:21 p.m. Monday after receiving a 911 call reporting that several people were deceased inside the home on Moharimet Drive.
The New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner completed autopsies Wednesday and determined that Emily Long fatally shot her husband and two children before taking her own life in the early morning hours. Ryan Long died from multiple gunshot wounds, while both children died from single gunshot wounds to the head. Emily Long’s death was ruled a suicide from a single gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators determined that Emily Long used a handgun from inside the home to commit the killings before immediately taking her own life. The third child, a toddler, was found physically unharmed and is now staying with other family members.
Assistant Attorney General Ben Agati indicated to local media that investigators still have more questions than answers regarding the motive. Agati noted, “One of the biggest questions they have right now is motive.”
The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office cautioned against speculation about the cause, stating that while investigators are becoming aware of various concerns and issues ongoing in the household at the time of the incident, people should avoid speculating that the event was caused by a single reason or stressor.
Several witnesses reported to investigators that Ryan Long had been battling brain cancer, though authorities have not yet reviewed medical records. Emily Long had been posting about her husband’s cancer diagnosis on her TikTok account, which was made private after the shootings. In her most recent posts, she discussed being depressed, and taking steps to support her children and her own health and well-being.
Ryan Long worked as a school psychologist at Oyster River Middle School in nearby Durham. Superintendent Robert Shaps stated that the Oyster River Cooperative School District community is heartbroken by the loss of four community members and extended deepest sympathies to all those impacted during this difficult time.
Emily Long was employed as operations director for Wing-itz, a local restaurant chain. The company expressed condolences on social media, stating their hearts and prayers are with Emily Long’s family during this challenging time and that they are profoundly grief-stricken to hear of the loss.
The community has rallied to support the surviving child and remember the family. A candlelight vigil was held at the Madbury United Church of Christ, where attendees cried and embraced while leaving flowers. Church deacon Beverly Ketel spoke at the vigil about grieving for a tragedy they will never understand and for children who will not grow up.
Additionally, the Lee Fire Association held an event that raised over $8,000 for the Long family’s surviving child. Chris Golomb, president of the Lee Fire Association, noted that so many people wanted to help and that everyone wanted to do what’s right for the community.
Neighbors described the Long family as appearing perfect and noted that the children had recently set up a lemonade stand. Community members have taken in the family’s two dogs and dropped off flowers at the home’s driveway. One neighbor expressed shock at the situation, questioning how it could go from an idyllic summer day to such devastation.
Madbury Town Manager Eric Fiegenbaum acknowledged the shock of the incident and noted that the community is saddened and trying to come together to support each other as they move forward. The small town in the Seacoast region northwest of Portsmouth has fewer than 2,000 residents. Mental health resources are available for those in crisis, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24-hour support through calling, texting, or chatting online. The Crisis Text Line is also available by texting “TALK” to 74174