A family of four was found dead on Thursday in what Alabama authorities are investigating as a murder-suicide.

Kenneth Smith Jr., aged 44, tragically killed his wife, Larrica Smith, 41, along with their children, son Khristian Smith, 15, and daughter Kinsley Smith, 11, in their home in Daphne. The victims were shot using a handgun, which authorities recovered at the scene, as reported by WAFF.

Baldwin County Sheriff Anthony Lowery said the children’s phones were ringing as they entered the home.

“It looks like some type of domestic issue that escalated into this. It’s as tragic as it comes,” Lowery commented, according to AL.com.

Police authorities mentioned they would need to rely on forensic and surrounding evidence to piece together the events leading to the tragic shooting. According to WALA reports, the Smith family had been residents of that home in Daphne for two decades.

A neighbor shared, “She just mentioned they had celebrated their wedding anniversary two weeks ago and seemed happy about it, so it’s just…I don’t understand. I can’t fathom how this could occur.”

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