Foley Man Charged with Murder Following Fatal Shooting of Cousin

FOLEY, Ala. — A family dispute turned deadly Sunday evening in Foley, resulting in the arrest of a Baldwin County man on a murder charge after authorities say he fatally shot his cousin during an altercation at a residence on Mannich Lane.

According to the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to a home on Mannich Lane on the evening of June 22, 2026, after receiving reports of a shooting.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered 55-year-old Robert Keith Barlow suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Law enforcement officers immediately began rendering emergency aid while awaiting medical personnel. Barlow was subsequently transported to Baldwin Health Medical Facility in Foley for treatment.

Despite the efforts of first responders and medical staff, Barlow later succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators detained 42-year-old Joseph Lee Smith at the scene while members of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division conducted interviews, collected evidence, and worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

According to investigators, Smith and Barlow were cousins and had reportedly been involved in a dispute before violence erupted. Authorities say the confrontation escalated while both men were at the residence, culminating in Smith allegedly discharging a shotgun that struck Barlow in the abdomen.

Following the preliminary investigation, detectives determined there was sufficient evidence to charge Smith in connection with the shooting. He was arrested and formally charged with Murder.

Smith was transported to the Baldwin County Corrections Center, where he remains in custody pending further judicial proceedings.

Authorities emphasized that the case remains an active and ongoing investigation. Detectives continue to gather evidence and conduct follow-up interviews as they work to establish a complete timeline of events.

Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. Questions regarding the case may be directed to Captain Correa with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.

Further updates will be released as additional information becomes available.