In the quiet, close-knit city of Daphne, Alabama, a devastating tragedy has shattered the peace of a community known for its warmth and togetherness. On a somber Thursday morning in August 2025, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check at a home on Sable Court, uncovering a scene that would leave the entire region in mourning. Four members of the beloved Smith family—Larrica Smith, her two children, 15-year-old Kristian and 11-year-old Kensley, and her husband, Kenneth “Kenny” Smith—were found lifeless, their lives cut short by apparent gunshot wounds in what authorities suspect was a heart-wrenching murder-suicide.
The call came in at approximately 3:30 a.m., prompted by a concerned family member unable to reach the Smiths. Deputies arrived at the family’s well-kept home in a serene Daphne neighborhood, their knocks unanswered, their glimpses through the windows offering no reassurance. With a heavy sense of urgency, they forced entry, only to be met with a scene Sheriff Anthony Lowery would later describe as “as tragic as it comes.” Inside, the bodies of Larrica, Kristian, Kensley, and Kenneth were discovered, each life extinguished in an unthinkable act of violence. Preliminary investigations point to Kenneth Smith, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as the likely perpetrator in this suspected murder-suicide.
The Smith family was a cornerstone of their community, their lives woven into the fabric of Daphne’s tight-knit neighborhoods. Larrica, a radiant and dedicated real estate professional with EXITಸ, EXIT Realty Lyon in Fairhope, was a proud graduate of Baldwin County High School. Her warm smile and unwavering commitment to her clients made her a cherished figure in the local real estate scene. Friends remember her as a woman of boundless energy and compassion, always putting her family first. She had pursued higher education at the University of South Alabama and Coastal Alabama Community College, building a life rooted in service to others.
Kenneth, a military combat veteran, had transitioned from a distinguished career in the armed forces to civilian life as an independent insurance adjuster and home inspector. Known for his discipline and strong work ethic, he was a man who carried the weight of his service quietly but wore his dedication to his family proudly. The couple, who met during their university years, had built a life together filled with love, laughter, and community involvement. Their children, Kristian and Kensley, were bright, vibrant souls—Kristian, a high school student with a promising future, and Kensley, an elementary schooler known for her infectious giggle and kind heart.
The news of their deaths sent shockwaves through Daphne, a city where neighbors are more like family. The community, reeling from the loss, has rallied to support one another. Crisis counselors have been dispatched to the schools Kristian and Kensley attended, offering solace to grieving classmates, teachers, and friends. Local leaders have issued heartfelt calls for unity, urging residents to check in on loved ones and seek help for mental health struggles, a poignant reminder of the unseen burdens some carry.
As investigators work tirelessly to unravel the events leading to this tragedy, questions linger about what could have driven such a devastating outcome. The Smiths were known for their warmth, their involvement, and their love for one another, making the loss all the more incomprehensible. The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office continues to piece together the timeline, but for now, the focus remains on healing a wounded community.
The Smith family’s home, once filled with the sounds of laughter and love, now stands silent, a stark reminder of the fragility of life. Yet, in the hearts of those who knew them, Larrica’s radiant smile, Kristian’s quiet strength, Kensley’s joyful spirit, and Kenneth’s steadfast devotion will live on. Daphne, a city bound by its sense of community, now faces the daunting task of moving forward while holding tight to the memories of a family that touched so many lives. In this time of profound sorrow, the people of Baldwin County are reminded to lean on one another, to cherish every moment, and to honor the enduring legacy of the Smith family’s love.
