Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
This article addresses sensitive topics surrounding suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
A devastating incident unfolded in a quiet New Hampshire town when a mother fatally shot her husband and their two children before taking her own life, according to the state’s Attorney General. The authorities are treating the incident as a murder-suicide.
In the early hours of Monday, 34-year-old Emily Long fatally shot her husband, Ryan Long, who was battling cancer, alongside their son Parker, aged 8, and daughter Ryan, aged 6. This tragic event occurred in their home on Moharimet Drive in Madbury, a small community located northwest of Portsmouth.
Emergency services were alerted just before 8:30 p.m. following a 911 call reporting several casualties inside the house. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies of Emily, Ryan, Parker, and Ryan.
The youngest child, a toddler, was found alive at the scene and appeared to have suffered no physical injuries.
According to the Attorney General’s office, each deceased family member suffered gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead on site. A thorough investigation is ongoing, centering on this tragic event as a potential murder-suicide.
Medical examinations conducted throughout Wednesday revealed that Emily utilized a handgun from their home to enact the violence. Autopsy results indicated that Ryan succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, while Parker suffered a single gunshot wound to his head, both ruled as homicides.
This heartbreaking event unfolded shortly after Emily shared her mental health struggles in a social media video just two days prior. The Assistant Attorney General, Ben Agati, stressed that understanding the motive behind this tragedy remains a crucial yet challenging task for investigators.
He remarked that deciphering the underlying reasons for such an unfathomable act poses significant challenges. The Attorney General’s office has urged the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions regarding the situation.
“While investigators are uncovering various issues that may have been present in the household, it is essential to avoid speculating that a single reason or stressor triggered this event,” the statement emphasized.
Ryan Long, a respected school psychologist at Oyster River Middle School in Durham, had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer. Emily, who served as the director of operations at a New Hampshire restaurant chain, conveyed her struggles in a TikTok video on Saturday, expressing concern over her children who were reportedly “definitely struggling.” She conveyed feelings of profound depression and an urge to establish healthier routines at home as her husband’s health deteriorated.
In this emotional video, Emily stated her determination to cultivate a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. She noted, “I have been struggling so much and really depressed. I’ve become reclusive, wanting only to be with my kids and my husband. However, I am making a change, starting today… and I’m committed to overcoming my depression for the sake of my family.”
Authorities have clarified that there is no identifiable threat to public safety, indicating that further details will only be provided after the completion of all autopsies.
Residents of the Long family’s neighborhood expressed their shock over the unfolding tragedy. Neighbor Bevy Ketel recalled the family as seemingly perfect, stating, “It was shocking. This family appeared ideal from our perspective.” She mournfully commented on the loss of the children, adding, “It’s terribly sad to think that the little girl is gone. Ryan was well-known and beloved in our community.”
Ketel recounted that the children had recently set up a lemonade stand for the neighborhood, which showcased their innocence and vibrant spirit. “It’s just shocking. We didn’t see it coming,” she concluded.
Authorities continue to investigate this case with sensitivity, emphasizing the community’s need for support and understanding amid such a heartbreaking situation.
This report contains contributions from Fox News’ Michael Ruiz.
