Pembroke, New Hampshire — A tragic incident unfolded early Friday morning when a young mother allegedly shot her toddler son before turning the gun on herself in their home. Authorities were alerted around 1 a.m. after a neighbor reported hearing two gunshots coming from the family’s secluded cottage on Pembroke Hill Road.
Responding officers discovered 26-year-old Julia Byrne and her three-year-old son, Blake, in an upstairs bedroom, each suffering from gunshot wounds to the head. Julia was pronounced dead at the scene, while Blake was transported to a nearby hospital, where he subsequently died.
The circumstances surrounding the case are under investigation, with law enforcement examining it as a potential murder-suicide. The New Hampshire Department of Justice is overseeing the investigation, corroborating that they are exploring all avenues of inquiry.
The shooting site, a two-story yellow shingled house, was cordoned off early Friday morning. Investigators took forensic photographs of the scene as neighbors looked on, some expressing their shock at the event. Ryan Demers, who has lived on Pembroke Hill Road for two years, stated he rarely saw the family and was unaware of their struggles.
Social media profiles belonging to Julia reflect a mixture of joyful moments shared with her son, such as hikes and picnics, interspersed with posts indicative of her battles with mental health issues and the challenges she faced as a parent.
Julia Byrne, who enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2018, faced uncertainties regarding her military status, including whether she had completed basic training and if she was active at the time of her death.
The heartbreaking occurrence has stirred conversations about mental health awareness and the often hidden struggles that many encounter. Community members and mental health advocates stress the importance of recognizing the signs of mental distress and ensuring support for those in need.
For anyone grappling with suicidal thoughts or mental health crises, resources are available, including the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988, offering 24/7 assistance.