BIRMINGHAM, AL – A 19-year-old Alabama man fatally shot his wife at a Birmingham hospital Sunday, shortly after she gave birth to their first child, before turning the gun on himself in what authorities are investigating as a murder-suicide.
Kynath Terry Jr., 19, entered Baptist Health Brookwood Hospital and shot his wife, Precious Johnson, 24, multiple times while she was a patient recovering from childbirth, according to WTVM. The coroner confirmed Terry died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Terry’s mother told the news outlet that the couple had been experiencing marital difficulties leading up to the incident. She said Johnson did not want Terry’s family present at the hospital during the birth of their child.
Despite the known marital problems, Terry’s mother said there had been no indication that the couple’s issues would escalate to violence. The family expressed shock at the tragic outcome.
The hospital was immediately placed on lockdown following the Sunday shooting, with security measures remaining in place for several hours. No other patients, visitors, or hospital staff were injured during the incident.
Hospital officials released a statement confirming they are fully cooperating with law enforcement’s ongoing investigation into the shooting. The lockdown has since been lifted and normal operations have resumed.
Authorities have not released additional details about the investigation or the specific circumstances that led to the shooting. The couple’s newborn child was not harmed in the incident.
The shooting marks a tragic end to what should have been a joyful moment for the young family, highlighting the devastating impact of domestic violence even in healthcare settings.
