A tragic murder-suicide unfolded in Madbury, New Hampshire, on August 18, 2025, when authorities discovered the bodies of four members of the Long family inside their home. The victims included Emily Long, 34, her husband Ryan Long, 48, and their two children, Parker, 8, and Ryan, 6. A third child, a toddler, was found unharmed at the scene. Investigators have concluded that Ryan Long, a school psychologist, fatally shot his wife and children before taking his own life.
What Happened
The incident was discovered after reports of gunfire were received from the Long family home. Upon arriving at the scene, authorities found the bodies of Emily Long and her children, with Ryan Long’s body also discovered. Investigators believe that Ryan Long, who worked as a school psychologist at Oyster River Middle School, carried out the murder-suicide. A third child, a toddler, was miraculously unharmed and was later placed under the care of family members.
The investigation is ongoing, and autopsies for the victims were scheduled for August 20, 2025, to determine the specifics of the deaths at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Concord, New Hampshire. Authorities are working to uncover further details about the tragic event.
Who Was Emily Long and Ryan Long
Emily Long, 34, had worked for the Wing-Itz restaurant chain and was reportedly “open to work” at the time of the incident. Ryan Long, 48, was a respected school psychologist, working at Oyster River Middle School in Durham, New Hampshire. Despite his professional role, the devastating turn of events suggests underlying issues that will be explored as part of the ongoing investigation.
The tragedy has left the Madbury community and those who knew the family in shock. Neighbors described the scene as “horrible” and expressed disbelief over how such violence could occur within a typically peaceful neighborhood.
Background or Timeline
This horrific incident follows closely behind a similar mass family killing in Alabama, where Larrica Gaines Smith and her children were tragically shot by her husband just a week earlier. The recurrence of such violent family tragedies has sparked national conversations about mental health and domestic violence, underscoring the importance of support systems for individuals and families facing emotional distress.
Law enforcement officials, including Attorney General John M. Formella, assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community, though the tragedy has left many searching for answers. Authorities have reiterated the importance of mental health awareness and seeking help during difficult times.
Public or Social Media Reaction
The community response to the incident has been one of disbelief and sorrow. Friends, neighbors, and local residents have expressed their shock over the brutal nature of the crime. Social media has been flooded with tributes to the victims, especially the children, and a growing call for more awareness and intervention in the issues of domestic violence and mental health struggles.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
Investigators continue to examine the case, awaiting autopsy results and hoping to learn more about the circumstances leading to this tragic event. Mental health professionals have emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs and reaching out for help, urging those in distress to seek assistance from local resources.
This incident has profoundly impacted the Madbury community, and as the investigation unfolds, officials hope to uncover more details to better understand what led to this devastating tragedy. The Long family’s loss serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health support and the need for prevention efforts surrounding domestic violence.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
