The Brief
Officials say Emily Long, 34, shot and killed her husband and two children before dying by suicide at their Madbury home.
A third child, a toddler, was found alive inside the home.
Investigators say the motive remains under review and caution against speculation.
Authorities in New Hampshire say a woman fatally shot her husband and two of their children before killing herself in an apparent murder-suicide at the family’s home in Madbury.
The bodies of Emily Long, 34; her husband Ryan Long, 48; and their children Parker, 8, and Ryan, 6, were found Monday. A toddler was discovered in the home unharmed, according to the state attorney general’s office.
How investigators say the New Hampshire murder-suicide unfolded
What we know
Autopsies determined that Ryan Long died from multiple gunshot wounds, while the two children each died from single gunshot wounds to the head. Their deaths were ruled homicides.
Emily Long died from a single gunshot wound to the head, and her death was ruled a suicide. Officials said she used a handgun from the home.
Ryan Long was a school psychologist at Oyster River Middle School. Superintendent Robert Shaps said the district "is heartbroken by the tragic loss of four community members."
Emily Long worked at Wing-itz, a local restaurant chain, which expressed condolences in a statement on social media.
"Our hearts and prayers are with Emily Long’s family during this incredibly challenging time. We are profoundly grief-stricken to hear of their loss. From all of us we send our sincerest condolences," the restaurant said on Facebook.
What we don't know
Investigators are still working to determine a motive. The attorney general’s office said that while witnesses have reported Ryan Long was battling brain cancer, medical records have not been reviewed.
"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," the office said.
It is also unclear what will happen with custody arrangements for the surviving toddler.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also text TALK to 741741.
The Source
This report is based on information from the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, autopsy findings, and statements from local school officials and businesses, as well as reporting from NBC News and the New Hampshire Union Leader.
Comments