Ohio man charged with murder after claiming wife, who was stabbed 17 times, died by suicide

LONDON, Ohio (TCN) — A man has been charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of his wife in October 2025.

According to a criminal complaint obtained by WSYX, 35-year-old Kyle Long called 911 on Oct. 23, 2025, to report that his wife had died by suicide. He allegedly told the dispatcher that he was watching TV in other room when he heard laughing followed by screaming, and that when he entered their bedroom, he saw his wife stabbing herself in the neck and face.

WSYX reports investigators found the death of 32-year-old Rachel Long to be suspicious from the start. During his second interview with authorities, Long allegedly made claims that were inconsistent with previous statements. Knife wounds on Rachel Long’s hands were consistent with self-defense, and Long reportedly told investigators that his wife wanted to separate from him.

According to People, an autopsy found Rachel Long died from sharp-force injuries and had been stabbed 17 times. Her friends say they did not believe she had suicidal ideation.

Madison County Sheriff John Swaney said it took several months for charges to be filed because “we had to make sure — all agencies involved — we got those reports back, and put all the evidence back, and that they all align,” according to WSYX.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced Long was arrested March 4 based on probable cause for the murder. WSYX reports he made his first court appearance on March 6, where his bond was set at $1.5 million.

Long’s attorney, Sam Shamansky, said Long continues to maintain that he did not cause his wife’s death.

Rachel Long was a mother of two and worked as a dog groomer. According to her obituary, she was active in the dog rescue community and loved to read and see live music. People reports that one of her last text message exchanges with a friend was about what to wear to a concert the following day. 

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