On the night of July 18, 2024, 24-year-old Kelse Ely Kendrick was killed at her home in West Blocton, Alabama, along with four young children. Emergency calls first reported a child had been shot; officers arriving found Kelse and four children dead from gunshot wounds to the head inflicted with a handgun. The children were identified as her son Kaleb and daughter Kynli, plus two cousins, Colton and Haley Daniels.

Brandon Allan Kendrick II, 32, was found at the residence, taken into custody without a struggle, and charged with five counts of capital murder. Family members said Kelse had been trying to support her husband through mental-health struggles and that an altercation occurred at the home earlier the day of the killings. In a court appearance Brandon Kendrick entered a plea of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. The State Bureau of Investigation is handling the investigation.

If anyone knew Kelse, her children, or the family and can help explain what happened that day, please share what you know.