Heartbreak in Pembroke: Young Mother and 3-Year-Old Son Dead in Suspected Murder-Suicide

PEMBROKE, N.H. (May 9, 2025) — The quiet early morning hours in the small New Hampshire town of Pembroke were shattered Friday by a harrowing discovery that has left a community stunned and mourning. A 26-year-old mother and her 3-year-old son were found dead inside their home in what authorities are now investigating as a possible murder-suicide.

According to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, officers with the Pembroke Police Department were dispatched to 336 Pembroke Hill Road shortly after 1:00 a.m. following a 911 call placed from inside the residence. When officers arrived, they were met by an individual who had made the emergency call. As police conducted a search of the home, they discovered the bodies of Julia Byrne, 26, and her son, Blake Byrne, 3, in an upstairs bedroom. Both had suffered gunshot wounds to the head.

Blake Byrne was still alive when first responders located him and was immediately transported to Concord Hospital, where doctors made every effort to save him. Tragically, the young child was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival. Julia Byrne was pronounced dead at the scene.

A witness who was present in the home at the time of the incident told investigators they heard two gunshots coming from upstairs. Upon rushing to the bedroom, they found the mother and child wounded and immediately called 911.

The home on Pembroke Hill Road, which had once been a place of ordinary family life, has now become the scene of a devastating investigation into what authorities believe may be a deeply tragic act of domestic violence. Both Julia and Blake were residents of the home. Authorities have not specified the identity of the 911 caller, though it is believed the witness may have been a family member or close acquaintance staying at the residence.

Assistant Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Abigail Alexander performed autopsies on both victims Friday. Preliminary results confirm that Julia Byrne died of a single gunshot wound to the head. The manner of her death has not yet been officially determined, pending further investigation. However, Blake Byrne’s death has been ruled a homicide, also caused by a single gunshot wound to the head.

In a joint statement released Friday afternoon, Attorney General John M. Formella, Colonel Mark B. Hall of the New Hampshire State Police, and Pembroke Police Chief Gary R. Gaskell acknowledged that the evidence at this time points to a potential murder-suicide, but emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing.

“This is an unfathomable loss,” the statement read. “Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and community members who are grieving in the wake of this tragedy. As investigators work to piece together the circumstances surrounding this incident, we ask for privacy and patience for those affected.”

Authorities are now working to determine what may have led to the apparent act of violence. As of Friday evening, no motive had been disclosed. Investigators are combing through the family’s history, examining social media, interviewing neighbors and loved ones, and reviewing any prior police interactions to understand the possible state of mind of the individuals involved.

The Byrne family had no known prior criminal history, according to sources close to the investigation. Julia Byrne was believed to be a full-time mother. Neighbors described her as “quiet but kind,” and recalled often seeing her walking with her son in the neighborhood.

“She loved that little boy,” said a nearby resident who asked to remain anonymous. “That’s what makes this so hard to believe. They were always together.”

The tragedy has rocked the small town of Pembroke, where violent crimes are rare, and children are typically seen playing freely on quiet streets.

Local officials have assured the public there is no ongoing threat to community safety.

Grief counselors have been made available through local services, and Concord-area schools have reportedly been notified to offer support to any families or children affected by the news.

Funeral arrangements for Julia and Blake Byrne have not yet been announced.

Authorities urge anyone with information about the events leading up to the deaths or anyone who had recent contact with Julia Byrne to come forward as the investigation continues.