The Madbury Tragedy: Unraveling The Shocking Details Behind Emily Long's Murder-Suicide

The tragic and shocking events that unfolded in Madbury, New Hampshire, involving Emily Long and her family continue to resonate across the state and the nation as of December 18, 2025. The case, which authorities officially ruled a murder-suicide, brought a devastating end to the lives of four family members, leaving the quiet community of Strafford County in disbelief. This article aims to provide a detailed and respectful look at the facts surrounding the incident, the individuals involved, and the underlying factors that authorities believe may have contributed to the tragedy.

The investigation, led by the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office and the Madbury Police Department, concluded that 34-year-old Emily Long was responsible for the deaths of her husband and two young children before taking her own life. The complexity of the case lies in the confluence of extreme financial distress and severe health issues affecting the family, painting a grim picture of the circumstances leading up to the fatal Monday morning in August 2025. We explore the profiles of the Long family and the key details that emerged during the official inquiry.

The Long Family: Profile and Biography

The Long family resided in Madbury, a small, close-knit town in New Hampshire, and their sudden, violent end shocked neighbors and local officials alike. The following profiles are based on information released by the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office and subsequent reporting:

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• Emily Long:
  • Age: 34 at the time of death.
  • Role: Wife and mother.
  • Cause of Death: Suicide after fatally shooting her family.
  • Context: Was allegedly facing a major theft investigation from her employer in the week prior to the incident.
• Ryan Long:
  • Age: 48 at the time of death.
  • Role: Husband and father.
  • Context: Was reportedly battling a severe illness, specifically brain cancer, at the time of his death.
  • Cause of Death: Homicide by gunshot.
• Parker Long:
  • Age: 8 at the time of death.
  • Role: Son.
  • Cause of Death: Homicide by gunshot.
• Ryan Long (Daughter):
  • Age: 6 at the time of death.
  • Role: Daughter.
  • Cause of Death: Homicide by gunshot.

The Tragic Events and Official Autopsy Findings

The devastating incident came to light on a Monday morning in August 2025, when authorities were called to the family's Madbury home. Upon entering the residence, New Hampshire State Police troopers and local Madbury Police discovered the bodies of the four family members inside.

The initial discovery prompted a major investigation by the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office and the State Police Major Crime Unit. Autopsies were swiftly conducted on all four individuals to determine the exact cause and manner of death.

The official autopsy results were conclusive: all four family members died from gunshot wounds. Authorities determined that Emily Long, 34, used a gun taken from the home to fatally shoot her husband, Ryan Long, and her two children, Parker and Ryan, before using the weapon to take her own life. The ruling of the deaths as a murder-suicide by the Attorney General's Office confirmed the community's worst fears and brought a grim closure to the initial phase of the investigation.

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Unraveling the Motive: Financial Distress and Health Crisis

While the physical act of the murder-suicide was established by the autopsy and forensic evidence, the underlying psychological and circumstantial factors that led to the tragedy became the focus of subsequent inquiries. Two major contributing factors emerged from the investigation, painting a picture of a family under immense pressure.

The Allegation of Embezzlement

A critical piece of information that surfaced was an allegation of financial crime against Emily Long. In the days immediately preceding the murder-suicide, Emily Long's employer had gone to the police. The employer alleged that Emily Long had embezzled a substantial sum of money, specifically $660,000, from a chain of businesses.

This massive alleged theft and the resulting police investigation would have placed an overwhelming and immediate burden of financial distress and legal jeopardy on Emily Long and, by extension, the entire family. The pressure of facing such a serious criminal allegation is considered a potential catalyst in the tragic sequence of events.

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The Husband's Battle with Brain Cancer

Adding to the financial and legal pressure, Ryan Long, Emily's husband, was reportedly battling a severe health crisis. Multiple reports indicated that 48-year-old Ryan Long was fighting brain cancer. A long-term, debilitating illness like brain cancer not only takes an emotional toll but also brings significant financial strain, even with insurance. The cost of medical treatments, combined with the loss of income and the stresses of caregiving, can be crippling for a family.

The confluence of these two crises—the immediate threat of a major criminal investigation for embezzlement and the ongoing, profound struggle of a terminal illness—created a perfect storm of desperation. Investigators believe that the overwhelming nature of these combined burdens may have led Emily Long to a state of profound despair, culminating in the decision to end the lives of her family and her own. The events serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that combined health and financial crises can have on mental health and family stability.

Community and Law Enforcement Response

The tragedy sent shockwaves through the small community of Madbury, which is located near the city of Dover in Strafford County. Local residents expressed deep sorrow and confusion over how such a horrific event could occur in their quiet, rural town. The Madbury Police Department, led by Chief Joseph McGann, worked closely with the New Hampshire State Police and the Attorney General’s Office to manage the sensitive and high-profile investigation.

The case also highlighted the need for greater awareness regarding mental health resources and the signs of extreme financial and emotional distress. While the investigation concluded that Emily Long was the sole perpetrator, the focus shifted to understanding the systemic failures and pressures that can lead to such catastrophic outcomes. The Long family tragedy remains a somber case study in the devastating consequences of unmanaged mental health compounded by overwhelming life circumstances in New Hampshire.