Four family members were found dead from gunshot wounds at a home in Madbury, New Hampshire, on Monday evening in what investigators are treating as a possible murder-suicide. A toddler was discovered alive and uninjured at the scene.
New Hampshire State Police troopers responded to a residence on Moharimet Drive at approximately 8:21 p.m. on August 18, 2025, following a 911 call reporting that several people were deceased. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the callers and entered the home, where they discovered the bodies of two adults and two children.
According to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, each of the deceased family members appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene. The third child, described as a toddler, suffered no physical injuries and is now staying with loved ones.
The identities of the deceased have not been released pending notification of next of kin and completion of autopsies scheduled for Wednesday at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Concord. Officials indicated the victims included a male and female adult, along with a boy and girl, all of whom lived in the home and were related.
Assistant Attorney General Ben Agati acknowledged that investigators face significant challenges in determining what transpired. Agati noted, “One of the biggest questions they have right now is motive.”
The 911 callers are known to the family, though authorities have not disclosed the specific relationship. Officials indicated this information may be released following further investigation and family notifications.
Neighbors expressed shock at the incident, describing the family as well-integrated into the community. Resident Bevy Ketel told reporters the family had recently operated a lemonade stand, with the children actively engaging with neighbors. She described the father as a prominent community member who had touched many lives and was considered part of the town’s fabric.
Ketel also mentioned that her daughter had given American Girl dolls to one of the children who died, emphasizing the personal connections within the neighborhood. She indicated that no one anticipated such an event, describing the family as appearing perfect from the outside.
Madbury is located approximately 90 minutes north of Boston and 20 minutes northwest of Portsmouth. The small Seacoast community has fewer than 2,000 residents and sits two miles north of the University of New Hampshire in Durham.
Law enforcement officials sealed off access to the home and maintained a significant police presence throughout the night and into Tuesday morning. At least six police cruisers were observed in the residential area, with investigators conducting interviews with neighbors to gather additional information about the events leading up to the incident.
When news crews arrived at approximately 9:45 p.m. Monday, police had not yet established crime scene tape, though officers were observed entering and exiting the residence. The investigation continued through the night as detectives worked to piece together the sequence of events.
New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella assured the public that there is no known ongoing threat to community safety. State Police Colonel Mark Hall and Madbury Police Chief Joseph McGann are cooperating in the investigation, which remains active as authorities await autopsy results.
Officials indicated that additional information would be released following completion of the medical examiner’s work and continued investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The case represents one of the more complex investigations for the small Strafford County community.
The surviving toddler’s welfare remains a priority for authorities and family members as the investigation proceeds. Officials emphasized that the child received immediate care and support from relatives in the aftermath of the incident.
