In Alabama, a man named Brandon Allan Kendrick II is accused of killing his wife and four young children in a shooting that happened on Thursday night. The incident has deeply shocked the small rural community where they lived.
Brandon Kendrick, 32, was arrested and charged with five counts of capital murder for the deaths of his wife, Kelse Kendrick, and the four children. They were all shot in the head with a handgun, according to the arrest warrant.
Sheriff Jody Wade said that Kendrick was the father of two of the children, and the other two were relatives. The victims were a 2-year-old, two 6-year-olds, and a 9-year-old.
Sheriff Wade described the scene as “absolutely horrible” and said even experienced officers found it the worst they’ve ever seen. The police were called after someone in the home reported that a child had been shot. By the time they arrived, they learned that more children had also been shot.
Kendrick was arrested at the scene without any resistance. He didn’t provide a motive for the crime, and it’s not clear if he has a lawyer yet.
The shooting happened around 10 p.m. near West Blocton, about 40 miles southwest of Birmingham. The community is in shock, and local resident Haley Smitherman said her prayers are with the affected families.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation is looking into the case.