A tight-knit Alabama community is reeling after a man allegedly killed his wife and two children before turning the gun on himself in what authorities are calling an apparent murder-suicide.
Baldwin County Sheriff’s deputies discovered the bodies of Kenneth Smith Jr., 44, his wife Larrica Gaines Smith, 41, and their two children—15-year-old Kristian Smith and 11-year-old Kensley Smith—inside the family’s home on Sable Court in Daphne, Alabama, on Thursday morning, Aug. 14, 2025.
Deputies were dispatched for a welfare check requested by a relative, where they found the victims with fatal gunshot wounds.
Sheriff: ‘It’s As Tragic as It Comes’
Baldwin County Sheriff Anthony Lowery confirmed the deaths, describing the scene as heartbreaking.
“We do believe this is going to be a multiple murder and suicide scene,” Lowery said. “It’s as tragic as it comes.”
Authorities have not released details about what may have led to the shooting. Investigators are working with forensics to piece together events leading up to the tragedy.
Neighbors and Schools in Mourning
Neighbors expressed shock and disbelief at the deaths, recalling recent conversations with Larrica Smith.
“She just told me they celebrated their wedding anniversary two weeks ago and was happy about it, so I just don’t understand how this could happen,” one neighbor said. Another added: “To see a family gone … is awful.”
The couple’s children were students at Daphne High School and Daphne East Elementary School. School officials confirmed counselors will be available for classmates and staff struggling with the news.
A Community Searching for Answers
While investigators work to establish a timeline and motive, Sheriff Lowery acknowledged that answers may never fully come, given that the suspected shooter is deceased.
“This will be a very difficult investigation,” he said. “But we will do everything possible to provide the family and community with some understanding.”
