Crime & Justice
Alabama mother and children killed in murder-suicide
Sheriff Anthony Lowery identified the victims as 41-year-old Larrica Gaines Smith, 15-year-old Kristian Smith, and 11-year-old Kensley Smith.
Deputies in Daphne, Alabama suspect that 44-year-old Kenneth Smith Jr. fatally shot his wife and two children before taking his own life.
Authorities discovered the bodies during a welfare check at the family’s home on August 14. Their family had raised concerns raised by relatives who had been unable to reach them.
Alabama family found dead in murder-suicide after welfare check
Sheriff Anthony Lowery identified the victims as 41-year-old Larrica Gaines Smith, 15-year-old Kristian Smith, and 11-year-old Kensley Smith. Deputies found all three with fatal gunshot wounds inside the residence. He described the case as a suspected murder-suicide, stating, “It’s as tragic as it comes.”
Investigation Underway
Investigators are now working to reconstruct the timeline leading up to the shootings. Forensic teams are analyzing evidence from the scene, but with the suspected shooter deceased, authorities acknowledge that the motive may remain unknown. Sheriff Lowery emphasized the complexity of the case and the emotional toll it has taken on the community.
Community in shock over Alabama murder-suicide
Neighbors expressed disbelief and sorrow over the tragedy. One neighbor recalled in an interview with WLBT, saying, “She just told me they celebrated their wedding anniversary two weeks ago and was happy about it, so I just don’t understand how this could happen.” Another added, “To see a family gone… is awful.”
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation continues, deputies are focused on uncovering any details that might explain what led to the tragic events. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Georgia man killed by train remembered as a hero after saving friend
Missing New Jersey teen found deceased
Slavery exhibits restored at Philadelphia’s President’s House
Gov. Wes Moore attends White House Governors’ meeting after initial snub
Grambling State Quarterback C’zavian Teasett creates GoFundMe as he recovers from spinal cord injury
Remembering Alex Jeffrey Pretti: A life rooted in care and service
Opal Lee, ‘grandmother of Juneteenth,’ honored with a Mattel barbie doll
Spice releases new single and video “Soft Girl Era” through REVOLT
Shirley Raines, Beauty 2 The Streetz founder who helped Skid Row’s homeless, dies at 58
New Brunswick, NJ 16-year-old shot and killed inside home
OWN greenlights first-ever ‘Belle Collective’ spinoff Belle Collective: Birmingham
Hazel Scott’s legacy returns to Harlem in free outdoor film screening
Olympic Gymnast Frederick Richard sets world record, raises $50K for Ugandan youth
Renee Ferguson, trailblazing investigative journalist, dies at 75
“AfroPoP Digital Shorts” returns to the land with “Sweet Samara,” climate and abolitionist film
-
Crime & Justice1 week agoGeorgia mother delivering for DoorDash fatally shot outside elementary school
-
Police2 weeks agoDetroit woman shot six times by police files $25M lawsuit against officer, city
-
Crime & Justice1 week agoTexas student who assaulted school administrator sentenced to 13 years in juvenile facility
-
In Memoriam2 weeks agoIn Memoriam: Thomas Williams Sr. dies at 94
-
Black Excellence2 weeks agoThirteen Little‑Known Black History Facts
-
Social Justice1 week agoFamily honors Adriana Smith one year after death with Atlanta billboard campaign calling for Georgia law reform
-
Culture1 week agoBLK releases 7‑step survival guide to combat dating app fatigue this Valentine’s season
-
Crime & Justice2 weeks agoPastor Jamal Bryant calls for arrest of man who disrupted service at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church