‘As tragic as it comes’: Husband kills wife, kids in apparent murder-suicide, sheriff says

DAPHNE, Ala. (WALA/Gray News) – A man in Alabama is accused of killing his wife and two children in a murder-suicide that has left the community shocked.

Kenneth Smith Jr., 44, is suspected of shooting his wife, Larrica Gaines Smith, 41, and their two children, 15-year-old Kristian Smith and 11-year-old Kensley Smith.

Baldwin County Sheriff Anthony Lowery confirmed the shootings happened in Daphne, Alabama, on Thursday morning.

Deputies discovered the family members dead from gunshot wounds inside their home on Sable Court. Deputies had been called to the home for a welfare check by a relative.

“We do believe this is going to be a multiple murder and suicide scene,” Lowery said. “It’s as tragic as it comes.”

Investigators are trying to piece together what led up to the shootings and why this tragedy happened.

Neighbors are in shock.

“She 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,” one neighbor said.

“To see a family gone … is awful,” another added.

The children were students at Daphne High School and Daphne East Elementary School. Officials said counselors will be available to students and staff.

The sheriff said the investigation will be difficult because the suspected shooter is dead, so they may never get answers. But he said they are working with forensics to try to find out as much as they can.