Family of four, including kids, found dead in Alabama. Cops reveal possible motive behind murder-suicide

A family in Alabama was found dead this week from what police suspect was the result of a murder-suicide. Authorities are investigating a murder-suicide at a Daphne home early Thursday that left two children dead in a case that the Baldwin County sheriff described as “tragic as it comes.”

The killing occurred sometime during the early morning hours at a house on Sable Court, a quiet subdivision off Milton Jones Road and Alabama State Route 181 in Daphne. The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) said in a post on Facebook that officers were investigating a "suspected murder-suicide".

Four family members, including two children, were found dead “from apparent gunshot wounds” in a home in Daphne on August 14. Baldwin County Sheriff Anthony Lowery said in a press conference, shared by WALA, that they received a “welfare concern” call about the family of four from another family member who did not live with them.


ALSO READ: XFG 'Stratus' Covid variant in US: 8 key facts, risky states, symptoms, prevention

Daphne murder-suicide

The shooter has since been identified as 44 year-old Kenneth O’Neil Smith Jr. The victims have been identified as Larrica Gaines Smith, 41; Khristian Smith, 15; and Kinsley Smith, 11. According to Baldwin County Sheriff Anthony Lowery, authorities received a call around 3:20 a.m., entered the home and found an entire family of four dead from gunshot wounds.

Officers arrived on the scene at around 3:30 a.m. local time, and after receiving no answer after knocking on the door and peeking through windows, they entered the home and found the bodies.

“It looks like there might have been some type of domestic issue that obviously escalated to this,” Lowery said. “We do believe this is going to be a multiple murder and suicide scene. ... It’s as tragic as it comes.”

ALSO READ: 1,000 foot mega-tsunami could wipe out large parts of America? These US states face maximum threat from monster wave

Lowery said the two children attend two different public schools in Daphne. Counselors were at the school to meet with students and staff on Thursday. He said the children’s cell phones were ringing as authorities investigated the scene, as per PEOPLE.

“You know that was their friends,” Lowery said. “I’ve been doing this for 29 years. It’s only the second time I’ve had to work a case where the whole family has been killed. It looks like some type of domestic issue that escalated into this. It’s as tragic as it comes.”

Lowery, earlier this morning, ruled out that the shooting might be considered anything but a murder-suicide.

“We will absolutely work this like any other homicide investigation,” Lowery said. “There is no reason to believe anything happened anywhere else but inside the house.”

ALSO READ: $5,108 Social Security August payment arriving next week: Are you getting the amount this month? Check exceptions

He said the killings has upset the neighborhood.

“The neighbors are really hurting,” he said. “This is a quiet neighborhood. They are proud of where they live here.” During the press conference, Lowery said that the sheriff’s office notified school officials where the two children studied, so counselors would be available for students and staff as needed.

In a follow up post on Facebook on Aug. 15, the BCSO said, “Our hearts are with the family and friends affected by yesterday’s tragic incident in Daphne. The (BCSO) extends our deepest condolences and stands with you during this incredibly difficult time.”

ALSO READ: $1,390 stimulus check in your bank account soon? IRS' crucial update for millions of Americans

Police added that the investigation into the incident is ongoing and chaplains are available for anyone seeking “comfort, guidance and support.” The sheriff’s office also asked that people avoid the home as they continued to “work the scene safely and effectively.”

The sheriff confirmed to the outlet that the weapon involved in the shooting was a handgun, which was recovered at the scene. According to local station WKRG, neighbors gathered outside the Smith residence for an impromptu vigil, leaving flowers, stuffed animals, a football, and heartfelt cards around the mailbox in a show of grief and solidarity.

Neighbor Shannon Brannon described the family to WALA as “the nicest, sweetest family."

She added, “Their kids were so sweet. They babysat my daughter. Just good people. ... [The mom] just told me they celebrated their wedding anniversary two weeks ago and was happy about it, so I just don’t understand. I don’t understand how this could happen.”