Family of 4, Including 2 Kids, Found Dead in Alabama Home

A quiet Alabama neighborhood was left reeling after deputies discovered the family dead inside their home, with investigators confirming the case was a murder-suicide. Continue reading for more details.

Authorities in Alabama are investigating a murder-suicide after a family of four, including two children, was found dead inside their Daphne home.

Deputies from the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office were called to the residence on Sable Court in the early hours of August 14, 2025, after a concerned relative, who did not live in the home, requested a welfare check.

When deputies forced entry, they discovered four victims with fatal gunshot wounds. Sheriff Anthony Lowery later confirmed the shooter as 44-year-old Kenneth O'Neil Smith Jr.

The victims were identified as his wife, 41-year-old Larrica Gaines Smith, and their two children, 15-year-old Khristian Smith and 11-year-old Kinsley Smith. A handgun believed to have been used in the killings was recovered at the scene.

"We do believe this is going to be a multiple murder and suicide scene," Sheriff Anthony said. "It's as tragic as it comes."

The sheriff's office reported that investigators arrived at the scene around 3:30 a.m. and remained for several hours. In a public statement, officials urged residents to avoid the area so investigators could work safely and effectively.

The tragedy sent shockwaves through the neighborhood. One resident, Shannon Brannon, described the Smiths as "just the nicest, sweetest family."

They added, "Their kids were so sweet. They babysat my daughter. Just good people. She just told me they celebrated their wedding anniversary two weeks ago and was happy about it, so I just don't understand."

Another neighbor expressed in disbelief, "You'd just kind of imagine it would be a certain type of family that would happen to, and you'd never think something like that would happen to them because she was always so quiet and polite and everything. But I mean… it's horrible." A third remarked, "To see a family gone… is awful."

Those who knew Larrica remembered her as a kind and gentle woman. Sue Lyon, owner of EXIT Realty Lyon in Fairhope, where Larrica briefly worked as a real estate agent, recalled her fondly.

"She was so sweet, she was very quiet," Sue said. "She was the kind of person that you just thought, 'Man she's gonna work so great in real estate.'" Sue said she was still struggling to accept the news. "I couldn't believe something like this could happen," she admitted.

On August 14, Larrica's best friend, LaChandra Jackson, shared her grief in an emotional Facebook post that read in part, "My friend!!!! My BEST friend through high school and a friend until now. God please help me understand this! Please [sic]."

Authorities confirmed that both children were enrolled in local schools — Khristian at Daphne High School and Kinsley at Daphne East Elementary. Counselors and crisis response teams were made available to students, with school officials sending messages to parents and guardians acknowledging the tragedy.

Sheriff Anthony acknowledged the difficulty of the case, saying, "One of the hardest things about this investigation is that we will never get all the answers because there are no suspects to interview."

The Baldwin County Sheriff's Office released a statement on August 15, extending condolences and confirming that certified chaplains are available to provide support for community members during this time.

"Investigators continue to work diligently to gather answers and provide clarity for the families involved. We remain committed to seeing this investigation through with care and thoroughness," the statement noted.

As Daphne mourns the devastating loss of the Smith family, neighbors, friends, and officials continue to rally in support of one another while seeking answers in the wake of the tragedy.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.