The town of Madbury, New Hampshire, is reeling after four members of a family were found dead inside their home Monday night in what authorities are investigating as a possible murder-suicide.
The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office confirmed the victims as 48-year-old Ryan Long, his wife Emily Long, 34, and two of their children: Parker, 8, and Ryan, 6. The couple’s youngest child, a toddler, was discovered alive inside the home without physical injuries. The child is now in the care of relatives.
Attorney General John Formella said state police were called to the family’s residence on Moharimet Drive after a 911 call reported “several people were deceased.” When troopers entered the house, they found the bodies of the four family members, all of whom appeared to have been shot. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
“At this time, detectives are investigating this event as a potential murder-suicide,” Formella said, though he added that the investigation remains ongoing. Autopsies for the four victims are scheduled for Wednesday, which officials say should determine the official cause and manner of death.
Neighbors say the Long family was well-known and deeply rooted in the community. One neighbor, Bevy Ketel, described them as “perfect, as far as we knew,” recalling how her daughter once gave an American Girl doll to the Longs’ young daughter. “It was shocking,” she said. “It’s so sad to think that little girl is gone.”
Ryan Long worked as a school psychologist at Oyster River Middle School in nearby Durham, where colleagues and parents say he was a respected and compassionate presence. The Oyster River Cooperative School District released a statement Tuesday morning expressing its grief.
Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps writes:
“The Oyster River Cooperative School District community is heartbroken by the tragic loss of four community members. We extend our deepest sympathies to all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time. We have partnered with local school districts and organizations to provide mental health support for our students and their families, and our staff.”
Law enforcement officials emphasized there is no known threat to the public, but they cautioned residents to expect an ongoing police presence in the area as the investigation continues.
For the quiet town of just over 2,000 people, the deaths have rattled a community not accustomed to this kind of violence. Friends and neighbors have begun leaving flowers outside the Longs’ home, a small sign of grief and solidarity in a place where many knew the family personally.
While investigators work to piece together what happened inside the house, the lingering questions—who pulled the trigger, and why—remain unanswered.
Authorities say they expect to release more information once the autopsy results are complete. Until then, Madbury waits, grieving and searching for a way forward after a tragedy that has left a hole in the heart of the community.
