N.H. Woman Under Investigation for Alleged Theft Before Family Tragedy, Police Say

A heartbreaking murder-suicide shook the small town of Madbury, New Hampshire, when 34-year-old Emily Long fatally shot her husband and two of their children on August 18, 2025, before taking her own life. The couple’s toddler was found unharmed in the home. The incident left the tight-knit community mourning and trying to understand the tragic circumstances.

Details of the Incident and Victims

Emily Long is believed to have used a handgun to kill her 48-year-old husband Ryan Long and their two children, 8-year-old Parker and 6-year-old Ryan, before shooting herself. The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office confirmed the cause of death for Emily was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with Ryan and the two children dying from gunshot wounds as well.

The family’s third child, a toddler, was safely located at the home and did not suffer any injuries from the incident.

Family’s Struggles and Social Media Insights

In the months preceding the tragedy, Emily documented her husband’s diagnosis with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, on TikTok. She posted dozens of videos sharing the emotional toll of his surgery, chemotherapy, and physical decline, along with her own struggles with mental health and anticipatory grief.

Her final video, posted a day before the incident, showed Emily discussing the challenges their children faced coping with the situation and the importance of social support.

Employer Investigation Reveals Accusations of Embezzlement

New revelations surfaced showing Emily Long was accused by her employer, a local chicken wing restaurant chain called Wing-Itz, of embezzling approximately $660,000 over a period of at least two years. The owner discovered suspicious deposits and doctored bank statements, prompting him to report the matter to law enforcement shortly before the murder-suicide.

Despite the significant financial loss, the business owner stated he no longer wishes to pursue repayment, instead focusing on supporting the surviving toddler.

Community Reaction and Official Statements

The murder-suicide devastated the Madbury community of around 2,000 residents. Ryan Long worked as a school psychologist in the nearby Oyster River School District, where staff expressed deep sorrow and extended sympathies to all affected.

Authorities cautioned the public against speculating on single causes or stressors leading to the tragedy, noting ongoing investigations into multiple factors contributing to the family’s circumstances.

Conclusion: A Heartbreaking Tragedy with Complex Layers

The New Hampshire murder-suicide highlights the complexities of mental health, personal crises, and family dynamics compounded by illness and financial strain. The community mourns alongside the surviving toddler, calling for awareness and support services to prevent other tragedies.