A man is in custody following a fatal shooting in Magnolia Springs that left one person dead. Deputies with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence after receiving a report of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found a man with a serious gunshot wound. Emergency aid was administered at the scene before he was taken to a nearby hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he later died from his injuries.
The incident occurred on the evening of June 22, 2026, at a home on Mannich Lane in Magnolia Springs. Authorities said the victim, 55-year-old Robert Keith Barlow, had been shot in the abdomen. Deputies quickly stabilized him before he was transported to Baldwin Health Medical Facility in Foley.
Investigators said 42-year-old Joseph Lee Smith was detained at the scene while deputies conducted interviews and collected evidence. According to the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, Smith and Barlow are cousins who had been involved in a dispute before the shooting.
During the encounter at the residence, Smith discharged a shotgun, striking Barlow. Investigators determined that the shooting occurred during the dispute. Following the investigation, authorities filed charges.
Smith was arrested and charged with murder. He was taken to the Baldwin County Corrections Center, where he remains in custody.
Officials said the case remains under investigation. Anyone with questions is asked to contact Captain Correa of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.
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