ORANGE BEACH, FLORIDA: In a tragic and shocking incident, an Alabama sheriff's deputy, identified as Kenneth Booth, allegedly took the life of an office employee, Lexi White, in what appears to be a murder-suicide.
The events unfolded in Cullman County, Alabama, leaving the community and law enforcement authorities deeply saddened and perplexed.
What led Kenneth Booth to fatally shoot both himself and Lexi White?
The Cullman County Sheriff's Office disclosed that the incident occurred during a heated argument in Orange Beach.
The argument between Kenneth Booth and Lexi White, who were reportedly in a relationship, escalated to a horrifying point where Kenneth Booth drew a weapon and fatally shot Lexi White.
Tragically, Kenneth Booth then turned the weapon on himself, taking his own life. Sheriff Matt Gentry, deeply affected by the tragedy, expressed his condolences and shared his devastation at a press conference.
He revealed that Lexi White had been an integral part of the Cullman County Sheriff's Office since she was just 16 years old.
Sheriff Matt Gentry struggled to find adequate words
"Our family here at the Sheriff’s Office is devastated. We are all in shock and saddened to our very core. Our hearts go out to the families of all those involved. I would ask that everyone join me in praying for the families, and for everyone here at the Sheriff’s Office," Sheriff Matt Gentry said in a heartfelt statement.
"Lexi has been a part of the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office since she was 16. She was a charter member in our Youth Leadership Academy, and was involved in every one after that – either as a participant, or coach," he added.
He said, "There are not enough words to express what she and her family mean to me. I am literally heartbroken. I feel like Lexi is one of my own kids."
The tragic incident is now under investigation by the Orange Beach Police Department. The community and law enforcement agencies are left grappling with the shocking turn of events and the profound loss of two lives.
