A devastating tragedy unfolded Sunday night at Baptist Health Brookwood Hospital in Homewood, Alabama, when a 19-year-old man fatally shot his wife moments after the couple welcomed their first child — then turned the gun on himself, authorities said.
Police and first responders were called to the hospital’s Women’s Medical Center at approximately 9:25 p.m. on March 1 after reports of shots fired. Officers arriving at the scene discovered 24-year-old Precious Elicia J’anae Johnson and her husband, 19-year-old Kynath William Terry Jr., suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say Terry shot Johnson multiple times shortly after she delivered their newborn before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in what authorities are describing as an apparent murder-suicide. No other injuries were reported, and officials confirmed the infant was unharmed.
Hospital administrators immediately placed the facility on lockdown as a precaution while law enforcement secured the area. The lockdown was lifted later that evening, and hospital operations resumed.
Family members told local media that the couple had experienced marital challenges but said they were shocked by the violence. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive and say the investigation remains ongoing.
The tragic incident has prompted renewed discussions about hospital security measures and domestic violence awareness. Local officials extended condolences to the families and the hospital community, calling the shooting a heartbreaking and deeply disturbing event.
As the community grapples with the loss, loved ones are mourning the deaths of two young parents, while support efforts focus on the newborn child left behind.
