Authorities in New Hampshire uncovered a devastating scene where a mother allegedly shot her husband and two children before killing herself, leaving a toddler as the sole survivor.
According to a New York Post report, Emily Long, 34, is believed to have carried out the shootings in their Madbury residence early Monday, with police responding to a 911 call that night, revealing the bodies. The incident has stunned the community, as investigators noted serious underlying issues but have not yet pinpointed a clear motive.
The state’s chief medical examiner determined that both children, Parker, 8, and Ryan, 6, died from single gunshot wounds to the head, classifying their deaths as homicides. Ryan Long, 48, suffered multiple gunshot injuries, also ruled a homicide, while Emily Long’s death resulted from a self-inflicted head wound, deemed a suicide.
Family Struggles Emerge Publicly
Emily Long frequently shared her emotional turmoil on social media, highlighting the toll of her husband’s terminal illness on the household. In a TikTok video posted just two days prior to the discovery, she described feeling deeply depressed and reclusive while trying to support her family.
Ryan Long, employed as a school psychologist at Oyster River Middle School in Durham, had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer that added immense strain to their lives. Emily, who served as director of operations at the Wing-Itz restaurant chain, expressed in the video that her children were also struggling amid the challenges.
The video captured Emily’s resolve to overcome her depression, as she stated her intention to establish normalcy for the sake of her loved ones. She mentioned becoming more isolated but vowed to make changes starting that day to benefit her husband and kids.
Community Shocked by Hidden Turmoil
Neighbor Bevy Ketel described the Longs as appearing like a perfect family from the outside, with no visible signs of distress leading up to the tragedy. Ketel told local media that the event was utterly shocking and unexpected in their quiet Madbury neighborhood.
Police found a firearm near the bodies inside the well-maintained home, which they believe was used in the shootings. The couple’s youngest child, aged 3, was discovered unharmed in the residence and has since been placed with relatives for care.
Assistant Attorney General Ben Agati highlighted the difficulty in understanding the motive, noting that investigators are grappling with how such violence unfolded. Agati emphasized that determining why this happened remains one of the key unanswered questions in the ongoing probe.
Investigation Probes Deeper Issues
Authorities have uncovered indications of serious concerns and ongoing problems within the family at the time of the incident, though specifics have not been disclosed. The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office is leading the inquiry, working to piece together the events of that Monday.
Emily’s social media posts often revolved around coping with despair tied to her husband’s cancer battle, painting a picture of mounting emotional pressure. Her final TikTok conveyed a mix of struggle and determination, as she aimed to rebuild healthy routines despite feeling overwhelmed.
The tragedy has prompted officials to remind the public of mental health resources, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) and the Crisis Text Line at 741741. Investigators continue to examine all aspects, including any potential warning signs that might have been overlooked.
Lessons to Learn from This Tragedy
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Mental health struggles should never be dismissed—seeking help early can save lives.
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Families facing terminal illness need strong support systems, both emotional and practical.
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Social media expressions of distress can be warning signs that must be taken seriously.
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Communities should foster openness about struggles rather than assuming everything is fine.
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