Alabama man accused of family massacre claims TV voices drove him to kill

BIBB COUNTY, Ala. (WBMA) – An Alabama man suspected of murdering four children and his wife over the summer said television told him to kill his family, according to investigators.

Brandon Kendrick. who faces five counts of murder, appeared in court for a hearing Thursday afternoon.

Kendrick, of Bibb County, allegedly shot and killed a 2-year-old, two 6-year-olds, a 9-year-old and his 24-year-old wife, Kelsey Kendrick, on July 18.

According to authorities, two of the four children belonged to Kendrick, while the other two were relatives.

WBMA was in the courtroom and a reporter saw Kendrick walking through the courtroom before the hearing. He winked at a group of people related to the victims.

The state called the lead investigator in the case as a witness. He detailed what he said happened the night the murders occurred.

He said all five victims were shot in the head, adding that Kendrick admitted killing his family, although he declined to give many details.

Kendrick’s grandparents, who live nearby, were interviewed as witnesses on the night of the murder. His grandfather Allan said they were watching TV in their bedroom when they heard gunshots. They allegedly got into an argument with him before confiscating the weapon.

Kendrick’s grandfather, who is the pastor of a nearby church, discussed the shooting with his congregation just days after the incident.

“Ten minutes before I heard a gunshot, my grandson was sitting in my bedroom with me and Gay, laughing and talking – talking about the first time we took him to a restaurant for his thirteenth birthday,” Allan said in July. He had never been to a restaurant before. We took him there for his birthday. All he had experienced for 12 years was abuse: physical, sexual, psychological, substance abuse. When I got him at 12 years old he weighed 58 pounds.

Kendrick said his grandson also took several medications but was stopped because the medications had become unaffordable, adding he believes the system failed his grandson.

After a court appearance Thursday, a judge concluded the case should likely be referred to the grand jury. Prosecutors said they are awaiting discovery and the return of additional evidence.

Kendrick has pleaded not guilty to insanity.