Rachel Long Kyle Long

Rachel Long with Kyle Long (left); and Rachel Long.Credit : Rachel Long/Facebook (2)

NEED TO KNOW

Kyle Long has been arrested on a murder charge in connection with Rachel Long’s fatal stabbing in October
Rachel Long, 32, had asked for a separation from her husband before she was found drenched in blood in her own bathroom
Rachel’s friend says she was looking forward to starting a new life after separating from Kyle

An Ohio man has been charged with murder months after his wife was found fatally stabbed in their residence.

Rachel Long, 32, was declared deceased by authorities responding to a 911 call about a suicide in her London, Ohio, residence on Oct. 23, according to an arrest warrant reviewed by PEOPLE.

On Wednesday, March 4, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced that her husband, 35-year-old Kyle Long, who had allegedly made the 911 call, is under arrest in connection with her death.

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On Oct. 23, Kyle allegedly called 911 to report a purported suicide, per the warrant.

He allegedly told police that a little after Rachel returned home from work, she went into the master bathroom, at which point he heard “what he thought was laughing followed by screaming,” per the warrant.

He said that when he went to see what was happening, he saw Rachel stabbing herself several times in the face and neck.

Authorities responding to the scene found Rachel in the master bathroom lying in a pool of blood in blood-soaked clothing, per the warrant. She also had knife wounds to her hand that an autopsy determined were defensive wounds.

The autopsy revealed Rachel had died from “multiple sharp force injuries” — and she had at least 17 of them, the warrant stated.

Rachel Long

Rachel Long.Rachel Long/Facebook

However, authorities determined that Rachel showed no indications of suicide.

Police spoke with Rachel’s friend Madison Myers, who was the last person Rachel texted before her death. Investigators read the text exchanges and found no signs she was angry or suicidal, they said in the warrant.

The two had been texting about what to wear to a concert the following day and what Rachel would need for the outfit.

Rachel’s best friend Brittany Mattox told 4WWL that she always had her suspicions about the suicide claim because she didn’t know Rachel to have ever been suicidal.

Kyle Long

Kyle Long.Madison County Sheriff’s Office

Investigators identified Kyle as a suspect after he allegedly gave them conflicting information about the purported suicide and provided accounts that did not align with the crime scene.

Police have not declared an alleged motive. They stated in the warrant that Rachel wanted a separation.

“We knew that she was excited to leave,” Mattox told 4 WWL. “She was making new relationships and friendships and looking forward to a new adventure as a solo single mom.”

The mother of two owned a pet grooming and boarding company.

“An animal lover at heart, she also was active in rescuing dogs,” read part of her obituary. “She was an avid reader and loved attending rock concerts.”

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Kyle has been charged with murder, according to online court records reviewed by PEOPLE. He appeared for his arraignment on Friday, and a judge ordered he be held on $1.5 million bond, 10 TV and ABC 6 reported.

It wasn’t immediately clear if he has entered a plea. His lawyer told the outlets that Kyle denies harming Rachel.

“He has continuously maintained he did not cause her death, and he maintains that today,” his lawyer, Sam Shamansky, told ABC 6, adding, “it’s a horrible tragic event, for which he bears no responsibility, only sorrow.”