In the quiet, tree-lined streets of Raynham, Massachusetts, a serene Friday afternoon was shattered by a devastating discovery that has left a close-knit community grappling with grief. On August 8, 2025, authorities responded to a chilling 911 call that led them to 134 Elm Street West, where they uncovered a scene of unimaginable sorrow: the lifeless bodies of Marie Hunt, 37, and Mark Henshaw, 35, in what investigators have described as an apparent murder-suicide.

The call came just after noon, prompting Raynham police to descend upon the unassuming home. Upon arrival, officers found no signs of forced entry, a detail that hinted at the deeply personal nature of the tragedy unfolding within. Inside, they encountered two minor children, mercifully unharmed, their innocence preserved amidst the chaos. The officers’ attention quickly turned to a locked second-floor bedroom, a barrier that concealed the heart of the tragedy. With forced entry, they were met with a harrowing sight: Marie Hunt and Mark Henshaw, both residents of the home, lay lifeless on a bed. Henshaw bore a gunshot wound to the head, while Hunt had sustained a fatal shot to the abdomen. Raynham Fire and EMS personnel arrived swiftly, pronouncing both victims dead at 12:39 p.m.

Marie Hunt was a pillar of the Raynham community, a lifelong resident known for her unwavering dedication to her three children. A devoted mother, she had built a life centered around her family while serving the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, most recently as a mental health worker. Neighbors and friends remember her as a warm, caring woman whose love for her children was evident in every aspect of her life. Mark Henshaw, her partner, lived with her at the Elm Street home, though details of his background remain scarce as authorities continue their investigation.

The presence of two of Hunt’s children in the home at the time of the incident has added an extra layer of heartbreak to this tragedy. While officials have not disclosed the whereabouts of her third child, they have confirmed that the children are now safe in the care of relatives. The community, however, is left reeling, struggling to reconcile the quiet normalcy of the family’s life with the violent end that unfolded behind closed doors. Neighbors describe the couple as private but unremarkable, with no outward signs of the turmoil that would lead to such a catastrophic outcome.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III, leading the investigation alongside Massachusetts State Police and Raynham Police, has called the incident “heartbreaking and tragic” for the family, the children, and the entire community. The investigation is in its early stages, with authorities working tirelessly to piece together the timeline of events and uncover any potential motives. While the murder-suicide classification has been established based on preliminary evidence, officials have yet to confirm who fired the fatal shots. Autopsies, to be conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, are expected to provide further clarity. Investigators are also exploring whether any prior domestic disputes were reported at the residence, though no such details have been released.

In the wake of this loss, Raynham has rallied to support those affected. Counseling resources have been made available to family members, friends, and neighbors grappling with the emotional toll of the tragedy. The community’s shock is palpable, as residents describe a neighborhood where such violence seemed unthinkable. “They were just a normal family,” one neighbor remarked, echoing the sentiment of a town now mourning the loss of two lives and the innocence of a once-peaceful home.

As the investigation continues, authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to safety. Yet, for the people of Raynham, the scars of this tragedy will linger. The children, now in the care of loved ones, face an uncertain future, while the community holds its collective breath, waiting for answers to questions that may never fully be resolved. This devastating event serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the hidden struggles that can lurk behind even the most ordinary facades.