In the quiet town of Pembroke, New Hampshire, a devastating tragedy unfolded in the early hours of May 9, 2025, leaving a community grappling with sorrow and unanswered questions. Julia Byrne, a 26-year-old mother, and her 3-year-old son, Blake Byrne, were found dead in their home on Pembroke Hill Road, their lives cut short by what authorities are investigating as a possible murder-suicide. The loss of a young mother and her toddler has sent shockwaves through this close-knit town, where such violence is rare and deeply felt.
At approximately 1:00 a.m., Pembroke Police Department officers responded to a 911 call from the single-family residence at 336 Pembroke Hill Road. The caller, a resident of the home who has not been publicly identified, alerted authorities after hearing two gunshots. Upon entering the upstairs bedroom, officers discovered Julia and Blake, both suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to the head. Despite efforts to save him, Blake was rushed to Concord Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Julia was declared dead at the scene, her life extinguished in the place she called home.
The investigation, led by the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office in collaboration with the New Hampshire State Police and the Pembroke Police Department, is focused on piecing together the events that led to this heartbreaking outcome. Autopsies conducted later that day by Assistant Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Abigail Alexander revealed that both Julia and Blake died from single gunshot wounds to the head. Blake’s death has been classified as a homicide, while Julia’s manner of death remains pending further investigation. Authorities have indicated that the incident is being treated as a potential murder-suicide, though they have not released additional details about the circumstances or the presence of a firearm.
The Pembroke community, known for its peaceful neighborhoods and strong sense of togetherness, is struggling to process the tragedy. Neighbors described the Byrne family as quiet and unassuming, with little indication of distress in the household. Julia, a young mother, was said to be devoted to her son, Blake, who was remembered as a bright and curious child with a contagious smile. The home on Pembroke Hill Road, a modest single-family residence, had been a place of warmth and routine until that fateful night.
Officials have been careful to reassure the public that there is no ongoing threat, emphasizing that the incident appears isolated. The investigation remains active, with law enforcement working diligently to uncover the factors that may have contributed to the deaths. The 911 caller, who was unharmed, is cooperating with authorities, though their relationship to Julia and Blake has not been disclosed. The police have cordoned off the property, and Pembroke Hill Road was temporarily closed to facilitate the investigation, which is still in its early stages.
As the town mourns, local leaders and residents are coming together to offer support. Counseling services have been made available through community organizations, and vigils are being planned to honor Julia and Blake’s memory. The tragedy has also prompted renewed conversations about mental health resources and the importance of recognizing signs of distress in loved ones. For now, Pembroke holds its collective breath, seeking solace in shared grief and a commitment to healing.
The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office has promised updates as the investigation progresses, but for the Byrne family and their community, the pain of this loss will linger far beyond the headlines. Julia and Blake’s lives, though brief, touched those around them, and their absence leaves a void that words cannot fill.