A shocking domestic tragedy unfolded at an Alabama hospital on Sunday evening, where a young National Guardsman fatally shot his wife shortly after she gave birth to their first child before taking his own life.
Hospital Shooting Incident Details
Kynath Terry Jr, aged 19, opened fire on Precious Johnson, 24, at Baptist Health Brookwood Hospital in Homewood, a suburb of Birmingham. Johnson had just given birth and was shot multiple times during the violent incident. Authorities have not confirmed whether the newborn was present in the room at the time of the shooting.
Homewood Police Department officers responded to reports of shots fired at the hospital at 9:25 p.m. on Sunday. Upon arrival, they discovered both Terry and Johnson deceased with no other individuals injured in the immediate vicinity.
Domestic Nature Confirmed
Early investigative findings led authorities to conclude that the tragedy represented "an apparent murder-suicide and is domestic in nature," according to an official statement released by the Homewood Police Department.
Terry's mother revealed to local media outlet WTVM13 that the couple had been experiencing marital difficulties prior to the birth of their child. However, she expressed profound shock, stating she could never have imagined her son would commit such violence against his wife and himself.
The mother further disclosed that Terry had recently completed his Army National Guard training and had married Johnson not long before the tragic events unfolded.
Hospital Response and Security Concerns
Immediately following the shooting, Baptist Health implemented a lockdown protocol "out of an abundance of caution," according to a statement released by the hospital on Sunday evening. The lockdown was subsequently lifted after authorities determined there was "no active threat to patients, team members or the public."
Danne Howard, president of the Alabama Hospital Association, told WTVM13 that this incident marked the first such occurrence during her thirty-year tenure with the organization. She suggested that Sunday's apparent murder-suicide could potentially lead to comprehensive reviews and overhauls of security protocols at hospitals throughout Alabama.
Official Statements and Investigation
Homewood Mayor Jennifer Andress issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy: "Last night, our police department responded to a tragic shooting at Brookwood Hospital. Our officers acted quickly to secure the scene and ensure there was no ongoing threat to the public. This remains an active investigation."
Mayor Andress extended condolences, stating: "Our thoughts are with the victim, her family, the hospital staff, and everyone impacted. We are working closely with hospital leadership and will provide updates as appropriate."
Background of the Couple
According to social media records, Terry completed his National Guard training less than one month before the shooting. The couple appeared joyful together at his graduation ceremony in a video shared on Facebook on February 6, 2025, beaming with apparent happiness during what should have been a celebratory moment.
Terry's mother confirmed that the couple had been experiencing relationship challenges before the birth of their child, though she emphasized she never anticipated such a devastating outcome.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States at 988. An online chat option is also available through official crisis support channels.
