August 8, 2025, started like any other Friday in Raynham. People were gearing up for the weekend, maybe heading to the Raynham Flea or grabbing a coffee before work. But by noon, the quiet neighborhood of Elm Street West became the center of a tragic investigation that shook the local community to its core.
Marie Hunt Raynham Massachusetts—it's a name that has been appearing in search bars and local news feeds for months now. People want to know who she was and how someone described as a dedicated professional and a loving mother could end up at the center of such a heartbreaking scene. Honestly, it's one of those stories that makes you hug your kids a little tighter.
The Events at 134 Elm Street West
Police pulled up to the house just after 12:00 p.m. following a 911 call. What they found inside was a nightmare. Two young children were in the home, physically unharmed but surely confused by the sudden arrival of sirens and officers.
After ensuring the kids were safe, investigators moved upstairs. They found a bedroom door that was locked from the inside. When they finally forced it open, the scene was grim. Marie Hunt, 37, and Mark Henshaw, 35, were both dead on the bed.
Breaking Down the Investigation
Initially, there was a lot of speculation. Was there an intruder? Was the neighborhood in danger? Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn was quick to settle the public's nerves on that front, stating there was no forced entry and no ongoing threat to the community.
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By Monday, the official word came down. It was ruled a murder-suicide. Marie Hunt had been shot in the abdomen with a shotgun—a detail that emphasizes the sheer violence of the act. Henshaw died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. It’s heavy stuff.
Who Was Marie Hunt?
Beyond the headlines, Marie was a real person with a life that meant something to the people of Raynham and Bridgewater. Her brother, Justin Firsch, has been vocal about making sure she’s remembered for more than just the way she died.
She wasn't just a "victim." She was a prison guard in Bridgewater. She’d been doing that job for seven or eight years. You’ve got to be a specific kind of person to handle that kind of work—tough, resilient, and disciplined. Firsch called her a "workaholic" but also "energetic."
- She loved the outdoors.
- She went fishing and shooting in the woods with her brother.
- She was the person you could call and talk to for three hours straight.
- She was a mother of three.
The tragedy is compounded by the fact that her oldest son, who is 20, had already lost his father some years ago. Now, he and his younger siblings are left to navigate a world without their mother.
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The Relationship Mystery
One of the most confusing parts of the Marie Hunt Raynham Massachusetts story is the relationship between Marie and Mark Henshaw. While the DA's office stated they both lived at the Elm Street West residence, family members seemed less certain.
Some reports say they were dating, while her brother mentioned he wasn't even sure if they were officially a couple. This disconnect highlights how often private lives remain private, even from those closest to us. Whatever the nature of their living arrangement, it ended in a way no one saw coming.
Why This Still Matters for Raynham
Raynham isn't exactly a high-crime area. It’s the kind of place where you know your neighbors. When something this violent happens in a suburban home, it leaves a scar on the neighborhood. Neighbors were interviewed by local stations like WBZ and WCVB, and the sentiment was universal: shock.
There are also the broader implications of domestic violence and mental health. While we don't know the specific motives—and we might never—the presence of children in the home during such an event brings up the long-term impact of trauma on survivors.
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Navigating the Aftermath
For the Hunt family, the focus has shifted from the "why" to the "how" of moving forward. Supporting three children who have lost their primary caregiver is a massive undertaking.
If you are looking for ways to help or are seeking resources in the wake of this or similar events, there are local organizations dedicated to victim advocacy and grief counseling in Bristol County.
Support Resources for the Community:
- Bristol County District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Program: Offers support for families navigating the legal and emotional aftermath of violent crimes.
- Local Grief Support Groups: Many community centers in the Raynham/Taunton area offer specific programs for children dealing with the loss of a parent.
- Domestic Violence Hotlines: If you or someone you know is in a situation that feels unsafe, reaching out early is the most critical step you can take.
The investigation into the deaths of Marie Hunt and Mark Henshaw is technically closed now that the medical examiner has ruled on the cause of death. However, for the family and the residents of Raynham, the process of understanding and healing is only just beginning.
Actionable Steps for the Public
Stay informed through official channels like the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office website for any secondary updates regarding estate or family fund announcements. If you are a neighbor or local resident, consider reaching out to local community leaders to see if there are organized efforts to support the surviving children. Awareness of domestic safety and supporting those in high-stress professions—like corrections officers—remains a vital part of community health in Massachusetts.