Kingston Community Shaken After Tragic Murder-Suicide: Kayleigh Griffin, 37, Killed by Husband Before His Apparent Suicide
KINGSTON, NY — A heartbreaking tragedy has rocked the quiet Hudson Valley town of Kingston, New York, as authorities confirmed the death of 37-year-old Kayleigh Griffin, a mother of two, who was killed in her home in what investigators are calling a murder-suicide.
According to police, Kayleigh was found dead in the couple’s residence on Fair Street after law enforcement arrived to notify the family that her husband, 40-year-old Caleb Smith, had jumped to his death from the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge on Wednesday. The events have shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about domestic violence, mental health, and the often hidden battles taking place behind closed doors.
The timeline began to unravel after authorities were alerted to a body in the water beneath the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. After identifying the deceased as Caleb Smith, officers were dispatched to the family’s home to inform next of kin. It was then that police discovered Kayleigh’s lifeless body inside the residence. Early reports indicate signs of violence and confirm that her death is being treated as a homicide.
Though the investigation remains ongoing, officials believe Smith killed his wife before leaving the home and taking his own life.
A Cryptic Warning
In the hours or days leading up to the incident, Caleb Smith reportedly posted a cryptic message on social media, which has since drawn attention and speculation. The post read:
“Don’t believe everything you see on the internet, guilty until proven innocent or innocent until proven guilty?”
While the context of the message remains unclear, its timing and ambiguity have fueled conversations online, with many wondering whether it served as a veiled warning or an attempt at rationalizing his actions.
Friends of the couple say the post was out of character, though some acknowledged that tensions in the household had reportedly been escalating in recent months.
A Loving Mother, a Life Stolen Too Soon
Kayleigh Griffin is remembered as a devoted mother to two young children, a loyal friend, and a kind-hearted soul whose presence brought light into the lives of others. Those who knew her described her as nurturing, vibrant, and fiercely protective of her kids.
“She was the kind of mom who never missed a school event,” a family friend shared. “She worked hard, she loved big, and she had a laugh that could fill a room. This doesn’t seem real.”
Kayleigh worked locally and was deeply rooted in the Kingston community. In the wake of her death, friends and loved ones have created a memorial at her home, leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten notes along the front steps. Grief counselors have also been made available at local schools where her children are enrolled.
The Children Left Behind
The most heartbreaking aspect of this tragedy is undoubtedly the impact on the two children left behind. Now orphaned in the most devastating way, they face a long and difficult road ahead—one that community members hope to walk with them, offering as much support as possible.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise funds for the children’s future, including counseling, education, and basic living expenses. In just a few short hours, the page saw an outpouring of support from both locals and strangers across the state, many of whom were moved by the shocking circumstances.
Calls for Awareness and Prevention
As the community mourns, the tragedy has prompted renewed conversations about domestic violence and the importance of mental health intervention. Local advocacy groups are urging individuals in troubled relationships to seek help, and they are calling on neighbors and loved ones to recognize the signs of domestic abuse—even when they may not be immediately visible.
“This wasn’t just a tragic day for one family—it was a wake-up call for all of us,” said Sarah Mendez, director of the Hudson Valley Center for Domestic Safety. “We have to be more proactive, more present, and more willing to talk about the things people are too afraid to say out loud.”
Remembering Kayleigh
A candlelight vigil is scheduled for this weekend in Kayleigh’s honor at a local park. Family, friends, and community members are expected to gather in remembrance of a woman whose life was cut short by unimaginable violence.
“She deserved more time. Her children deserved more time,” one mourner posted on Facebook. “But we will not let her be remembered just for the way she died. We will honor how she lived.”