Kerri Settle and Ex-Husband Michael Settle Die in Spanish Fort Murder-Suicide

Spanish Fort, AL – Kerri Settle, a 48-year-old former Assistant Principal at Murphy High School and longtime Adjunct Professor at the University of South Alabama College of Education and Professional Studies, was tragically killed in a murder-suicide on Saturday night. According to Police Chief John Barber, the incident involved her ex-husband, Michael Settle.

The tragic event unfolded at 10 Sailors Cove, where Kerri and Michael Settle got into an altercation. During the confrontation, Michael Settle, a U.S. Customs Border Protection agent, shot and killed Kerri in the front yard of her home. He then turned the gun on himself, ending his own life.

Kerri Settle was a respected educator and a dedicated member of the community. She graduated from the University of South Alabama and worked as an Adjunct Professor at the University of South Alabama College of Education and Professional Studies. Kerri had also served as an Assistant Principal at Murphy High School and at the Mobile County Public School System. Additionally, she taught at the Mobile Continuous Learning Center. Kerri was known for her commitment to education and her passion for helping students achieve their potential.

Michael Settle, also 48, was a U.S. Customs Border Protection agent and a resident of Spanish Fort, AL. He had a career in federal law enforcement, which added to the shock and tragedy of the incident.

Police Chief John Barber provided details of the harrowing incident, stating that officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 10 p.m. on Sunday. Upon arrival at the community of Sailors Cove, located off State Route 225, officers discovered both Kerri and Michael Settle in the front yard with fatal gunshot wounds.

Court documents reveal that Kerri had filed for divorce in December, and the divorce was finalized in January. Chief Barber described the incident as “a very terrible case of domestic violence.”

The Spanish Fort Police Department is continuing its investigation into the murder-suicide. Authorities are trying to piece together the events leading up to the tragic altercation. Chief Barber emphasized the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help and support in such situations.

The deaths of Kerri and Michael Settle have left the community in shock and mourning. Kerri’s colleagues and students at the University of South Alabama and Murphy High School remember her as a passionate educator who made a significant impact on her students’ lives. The tragic loss of such a dedicated teacher and community member has prompted an outpouring of grief and condolences from those who knew her.

The Spanish Fort community is reeling from the tragic loss of Kerri Settle, a beloved educator, and Michael Settle, a federal law enforcement officer. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the families and friends affected by this senseless act of violence. The incident underscores the critical need for awareness and intervention in cases of domestic violence, and the importance of reaching out for help in times of crisis.