An Alabama family of four has died from what police believe was a murder-suicide.
According to a Facebook post by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), officers are investigating a “suspected murder-suicide” involving the deaths of four family members, including two children, who were discovered dead “from apparent gunshot wounds” in a Daphne home on August 14.
Baldwin County Sheriff Anthony Lowery stated in a press conference shared by WALA that they received a “welfare concern” call about the family of four from a family member who did not live with them.
Officers arrived at the scene around 3:30 a.m. local time, and after knocking on the door and peeking through windows, they entered the house and discovered the bodies.
“It looks like there might have been some type of domestic issue that obviously escalated to this,” Mr. Lowery said. “We believe this will be a multi-murder and suicide scene. “It is as tragic as it gets.”
Lowery later identified the alleged shooter to WALA as 44-year-old Kenneth O’Neil Smith Jr. The victims of the incident were identified as Larrica Gaines Smith, 41, Khristian Smith, 15, and Kinsley Smith, 11.
The sheriff told the outlet that the weapon used in the shooting was a handgun, which was recovered at the scene.
Local news outlet WKRG reported that neighbors held an impromptu vigil in front of the Smith home, where the mailbox is now surrounded by flowers, stuffed animals, a football, and playing cards.
During the press conference, Lowery stated that the sheriff’s office notified school officials where the two children attended, so that counselors could be available to students and staff as needed.
On August 15, the BCSO posted a follow-up on Facebook, saying, “Our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by yesterday’s tragic incident in Daphne. The (BCSO) offers its heartfelt condolences and stands by you during this extremely difficult time.”
Police said the investigation into the incident is still ongoing, and chaplains are available for anyone who needs “comfort, guidance, and support.” The sheriff’s office also requested that people avoid the home while they “work the scene safely and effectively.”
Shannon Brannon, a neighbor, described the family to WALA as “the nicest, sweetest family.”
She continued, “Their children were so sweet. They babysat my daughter. Simply good people… [The mother] just told me that they celebrated their wedding anniversary two weeks ago and were happy about it, so I don’t understand. I don’t understand how this happened.”
