Acquiet neighborhood in Daphne, Alabama is reeling after a family of four was found dead inside their home in what investigators believe was a murder-suicide. Deputies discovered the bodies found on Thursday, August 14, 2025, on Sable Court after conducting a welfare check at the request of a concerned relative. According to Baldwin County Sheriff Anthony Lowery, the victims—identified as 43-year-old Larrica Gaines Smith, her children, 15-year-old Kristian Smith and 11-year-old Kensley Smith—were fatally shot. Authorities believe the children’s father and Larrica’s husband, Kenneth Smith Jr., was the shooter before taking his own life.
“This is going to be a multiple murder and suicide scene, but again, it’s as tragic as it comes,” Baldwin County, Alabama Sheriff Anthony Lowery said in a news conference, according to WALA Fox 10 News.
Family photos of Larrica Smith and her two children, Kristian Smith and Kensley Smith; Photo Credit: Larrica Smith/Facebook
“There seems like there might have been some kind of domestic issue that might have escalated to this,” Lowery noted in a news conference.
Neighbors described the family as quiet and kind, struggling to comprehend the shocking loss.
“You’d just never think something like this would happen to them,” one neighbor said. “She was always so polite and sweet. To see a whole family gone is awful.”
L-R: Larrica Smith (41), victim of the murder-suicide shooting, and Alleged Suspect, Kenneth Smith (44) – Facebook; A younger photo of Kristian Smith and Kensley Smith, who were also victims in the tragic murder-suicide in Daphne, Alabama- Facebook; and professional photo of Larrica Smith – Facebook
Sue Lyon, owner of EXIT Realty Lyon in Fairhope, remembered Larrica Smith from her time as a real estate agent at the firm.
“She was so sweet, very quiet,” Lyon said, recalling a Christmas party photo from several years ago, “She was the kind of person you just knew would do great in real estate. I can’t wrap my mind around this.”
Investigators say deputies forced entry into the home, where they made the grim discovery. Sheriff Lowery noted that one of the most difficult aspects of the case is the likelihood that some questions will never be answered.
“Without a suspect to interview, we’ll never fully know why,” he said. “But we are working closely with forensics to gather as much information as possible.”
Neighbors recalled seeing the couple recently celebrating their wedding anniversary just two weeks ago, adding to the heartbreak and confusion surrounding the tragedy. As the Daphne community grieves, loved ones and neighbors are left searching for answers—and remembering a family whose lives were cut short far too soon.
A public view is held for the victims on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 9am to 10am (CST), followed by the funeral service for the family at 10am CST at First Baptist Church in Minette, Alabama.
