RAYNHAM, MA — Authorities have confirmed that a tragic murder-suicide unfolded in Raynham on Friday, leaving two adults dead in a quiet neighborhood and sending shockwaves through the community.
Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III reported that officers from the Raynham Police Department were dispatched to a residence at 134 Elm Street West shortly after noon following a 911 call. Upon arrival, police found no immediate signs of forced entry, but the situation quickly revealed itself to be dire.
Inside the home, officers located two minor children who were unharmed but clearly shaken. After securing the children, police moved to investigate further. A locked second-floor bedroom drew their attention, prompting them to force entry. It was inside this room that officers discovered the lifeless bodies of 37-year-old Marie Hunt and her partner, 35-year-old Mark Henshaw.
Henshaw was found lying on the bed with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Hunt, positioned nearby, had sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Emergency medical services were called to the scene, but both victims were pronounced dead at approximately 12:39 p.m.
Investigators have confirmed that both Hunt and Henshaw lived in the home along with Hunt’s three children. Marie Hunt, a Raynham native, was a devoted mother and a former mental health worker for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Her career had been dedicated to helping others, and she was well known among colleagues and friends for her compassion and dedication.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office has stated that the investigation remains ongoing. The Massachusetts State Police, assigned to the DA’s office, are working alongside the Raynham Police Department to piece together the events that led to this devastating outcome. While early evidence strongly suggests a murder-suicide, officials have not released additional information on what may have triggered the incident.
Neighbors and community members have expressed their shock and sadness over the tragedy. Support services are being made available for the affected children and those close to the victims.
Authorities are urging anyone struggling with domestic violence or mental health issues to seek help immediately, emphasizing the importance of intervention before situations escalate to irreversible consequences.