In the quiet, tree-lined streets of Daphne, Alabama, a community known for its warmth and tight-knit bonds, a devastating tragedy unfolded in the early morning hours of Thursday, August 13, 2025. Inside a home on Sable Court in the Belforest community, a family of four was torn apart in an unthinkable act of violence. Kenny Smith, a 44-year-old father, fatally shot his wife, Larrica Smith, 41, and their two beloved children, Khristian, 15, and Kinsley, 11, before turning the gun on himself. What authorities have described as a murder-suicide has left the Daphne community reeling, grappling with grief, shock, and unanswered questions.
The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office was called to the Smith residence around 3:30 a.m. for a welfare check after concerns were raised about the family’s well-being. Deputies arrived to a chilling scene: no one answered their knocks at the door. Upon entering the home, they discovered the bodies of Kenny, Larrica, Khristian, and Kinsley, each killed by gunshot wounds. Sheriff Anthony Lowery confirmed that forensic and circumstantial evidence points to Kenny Smith as the perpetrator, who took his own life after ending those of his wife and children. The community stood frozen as crime scene tape encircled the once-vibrant home, a stark symbol of the tragedy within.
Larrica Smith was a beacon of light in Daphne—a devoted mother, a cherished friend, and a valued co-worker whose warm smile and kind heart left an indelible mark on those around her. After 20 years of marriage, she had recently taken steps to end her relationship with Kenny, a decision that, according to family and neighbors, had escalated tensions in the household. While investigators have yet to pinpoint an exact motive, the strain of the marital breakdown looms as a possible catalyst for the horrific act. Sheriff Lowery spoke candidly about the investigation, noting, “We may never fully know why this happened. It’s one of those things that troubles you as an investigator, as a human being.”
Khristian and Kinsley, the Smiths’ two children, were the heart of their family and their schools. Khristian, a 15-year-old student at Daphne High School, was known for his infectious enthusiasm and involvement in school activities. Kinsley, an 11-year-old at Daphne East Elementary, was a bright and loving girl whose laughter filled classrooms and playgrounds. Their phones, found inside the home, rang unanswered as friends desperately tried to reach them, unaware of the tragedy that had unfolded. “When we lose someone, it’s like we’ve lost a member of our own family,” said Sherry Rainbolt, Baldwin County Public Schools’ prevention and support supervisor. “It’s very, very sad.”
The ripple effects of this loss have shaken the Daphne community to its core. Neighbors, still in disbelief, described the Smiths as “just good people” who were active in their community and church. One neighbor, speaking to local media, recalled Larrica’s kindness and the children’s playful energy, saying, “This is an everyday American household, very religious. There’s no indication of drugs or alcohol. It’s just one of those things that gets to your heart.” The Belforest neighborhood, typically a place of peace, now bears the weight of an incomprehensible loss.
In response to the tragedy, Baldwin County schools swiftly mobilized resources to support students and staff. Eleven extra counselors and social workers were deployed to Daphne East Elementary, with additional support at Daphne High School. “It’s a very difficult conversation,” Rainbolt said. “We want students to know that we’re feeling it too, and we’re human. We’re trying to keep the day as normal as possible, but we just want kids to feel safe.” Grief counselors are working tirelessly to help classmates, teachers, and staff process the emotional toll of losing Khristian and Kinsley, whose absence will be felt deeply in the Trojan community.
As the investigation continues, authorities are piecing together the timeline of events, searching for answers to a tragedy that feels all too senseless. Sheriff Lowery emphasized the broader implications of the incident, urging the public to recognize the devastating consequences of domestic violence. “This is a stark reminder of how quickly things can escalate,” he said. “If you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation, please seek help before it’s too late.” Resources like domestic violence hotlines and local support services are being highlighted as lifelines for those in need.
The Daphne community now faces the daunting task of healing. Vigils are being planned, and neighbors are coming together to honor the memory of Larrica, Khristian, and Kinsley. Their lives, though cut tragically short, will be remembered for the love and joy they brought to those around them. For now, the investigation presses on, but the questions of “why” and “how” linger in the hearts of a community forever changed by loss.
