Updated Sept. 7 at 8:30 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. – A Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) dispatch shift supervisor was killed and a CCSO deputy took his own life in an apparent murder-suicide this week at a condo in Orange Beach. Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry confirmed the deaths of Dispatcher Lexi White, 23, and K9 Deputy Kenneth “Kenny” Booth.
According to the CCSO, an argument between the two, who were dating, escalated to the point in which Booth drew his weapon and shot and killed White. Booth then turned the weapon on himself, taking his own life.
WKRG in Mobile reported, “Seaside Beach & Racquet Club employees told WKRG that the shooting happened in the common area of the condo.”
According to reports, officers with the Orange Beach Police Department responded to the call in the 24000 block of Perdido Beach Boulevard at 2:45 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7.
“The CCSO was contacted by the Orange Beach Police Department earlier today (Thursday) to inform us of this tragic incident,” Gentry said. “Our office is devastated, and we’re in shock. We’re mourning deeply for both of them, and our hearts go out to the families. I urge everyone to join us in praying for the families and all our staff.”
Gentry said White began her association with the CCSO at age 16, participating in the Youth Leadership Academy and later coaching.
“Words can’t express the bond between Lexi, her family and myself,” Gentry said. “I feel as though I’ve lost one of my own children.”
The full Facebook post from the CCSO said:
The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office is deeply saddened and are mourning the loss of two of our employees. Earlier today, the CCSO was contacted by Orange Beach Police Department to inform us of the tragic incident.
An apparent argument seemingly escalated to a point where Kenneth Booth, a Cullman County Deputy, drew a weapon and killed the victim. The victim was also an employee of the Sheriff’s Office and the two were involved in a dating relationship. Booth then turned the weapon on himself, taking his life.
This continues to be an ongoing investigation by Orange Beach Police Department and no further information is available at this time.
“Our family here at the Sheriff’s Office is devastated. We are all in shock and saddened to our very core. Our hearts go out to the families of all those involved. I would ask that everyone join me in praying for the families, and for everyone here at the Sheriff’s Office.
Lexi has been a part of the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office since she was 16. She was a charter member in our Youth Leadership Academy, and was involved in every one after that – either as a participant, or coach. There are not enough words to express what she and her family mean to me. I am literally heartbroken. I feel like Lexi is one of my own kids,” said Sheriff Matt Gentry.
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