National Guardsman Kills Wife and Himself at Alabama Hospital After Childbirth

A National Guardsman fatally shot his wife shortly after she gave birth at an Alabama hospital before turning the gun on himself in an apparent murder-suicide. The incident occurred on Sunday night at Baptist Health Brookwood Hospital in Homewood, a suburb of Birmingham.

The victims were identified as Kynath Terry Jr., 19, and his wife Precious Johnson, 24. According to reports from multiple sources, the couple was found dead with gunshot wounds on the fifth floor of the hospital’s Women’s Medical Center. Police described the incident as an apparent murder-suicide.

The shooting occurred shortly after Johnson had given birth. The couple’s newborn was not in the room at the time of the incident. Terry, who had recently completed National Guard training, and Johnson were reportedly experiencing marital issues prior to their child's birth.

Terry’s mother told local news station WVTM 13 that she had no idea her son could become violent. She mentioned that Johnson did not want Terry’s family at the hospital during the delivery, as reported by multiple outlets.

The hospital entered lockdown immediately after the shooting but was lifted after authorities determined there was ‘no active threat to patients, team members or the public.’ Danne Howard, president of the Alabama Hospital Association, expressed her shock and concern over the incident. She noted that this was the first time something like this had happened during her 30-year stint at the organization.

Homewood Mayor Jennifer Andress released a statement expressing condolences to the victim’s family and hospital staff. The police department is continuing its investigation into the tragic event.