Full Breakdown
Tragic Murder-Suicide in Madbury, New Hampshire
8/22/2025, 4:15:39 AM
Overview of the Incident
On August 18, 2025, a tragic murder-suicide occurred in Madbury, New Hampshire, where 34-year-old Emily Long shot and killed her husband, Ryan Long, 48, and their two children, Parker, 8, and Ryan, 6, before taking her own life. The family was discovered later that evening in their home on Moharimet Drive after a 911 call reported multiple fatalities. A third child, a toddler, was found unharmed at the scene.
Details of the Event
According to the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office, Emily Long used a handgun from their home to commit the acts early that morning. Autopsies revealed that Ryan Long died from multiple gunshot wounds, while both children suffered single gunshot wounds to the head. Emily Long's death was ruled a suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The authorities noted that the incident was classified as three homicides and one suicide.
Background Context
Emily Long had been openly discussing her struggles on social media, particularly on her now-private TikTok account, where she shared her husband's battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. In her final videos, she expressed feelings of depression and anxiety regarding her husband's health and the impact on their children. She acknowledged the challenges of potentially becoming a single parent and the emotional toll the situation was taking on her family.
Community Impact
The incident has left the small community of Madbury, which has a population of under 2,000, in shock. Neighbors described the Long family as a "perfect family" and expressed disbelief over the tragedy. Ryan Long was a school psychologist at Oyster River Middle School, and the school district released a statement expressing heartbreak over the loss of four community members and offering mental health support to students and families affected by the tragedy.
Official Statements & Responses
The New Hampshire Attorney General's Office has cautioned against speculation regarding the motives behind the incident, stating, "While investigators are becoming aware of various concerns/issues ongoing in the household at the time of the event in question, people should avoid speculating that this event was caused by a single reason or stressor." Superintendent Robert Shaps of the Oyster River Cooperative School District echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the community's commitment to supporting those affected.
Criticism & Opposition
Some community members and observers have raised concerns about the mental health resources available to families facing similar crises. The tragedy has sparked discussions about the need for better support systems for caregivers dealing with terminal illnesses and the associated emotional burdens.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I feel very, very lonely. I feel so anxious. I know that I need to see a therapist, I know that I need to ask for help.” — Emily Long, in a TikTok video before the incident.
- “Our kids are definitely struggling, and now I’m starting to notice some changes in our 3-year-old.” — Emily Long, reflecting on her children's emotional state.
What's Next
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Long family's deaths is ongoing. Authorities continue to gather information and have urged anyone in crisis to seek help through resources such as the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
