A small Alabama community is reeling after a family of four was found dead in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide inside their home in Daphne.
The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Kenneth O’Neil Smith Jr., 44, fatally shot his wife, Larrica Gaines Smith, 41, and their two children, 15-year-old Khristian and 11-year-old Kinsley, before turning the gun on himself. Deputies discovered the bodies around 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 14 after a welfare check requested by a concerned relative.
Sheriff Anthony Lowery described the crime as the result of a domestic situation that spiraled into tragedy. A handgun was recovered at the scene. “It’s as tragic as it comes,” Lowery said at a press conference.
The shocking loss has left neighbors devastated. Many gathered outside the Smith home, transforming the family’s mailbox into a makeshift memorial covered with flowers, stuffed animals, cards, and a football to honor the children. Neighbor Shannon Brannon described them as “the nicest, sweetest family” and recalled how the kids would babysit her daughter. “Just good people,” she said. “I don’t understand how this could happen.”
Local schools have been notified, and grief counselors are available for classmates and staff. The sheriff’s office has also offered chaplain support to anyone in the community struggling to cope with the tragedy.
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Author: thedailycrime1
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