An argument led to an Alabama sheriff’s deputy allegedly shooting and killing his girlfriend, a dispatcher for the sheriff’s office, before turning the gun on himself.

Sheriff’s investigators in Cullman County said the two people killed were employees of their office.

“The Cullman County Sheriff’s office was contacted by Orange Beach Police Department to inform us of the tragic incident,” the sheriff’s office reported on social media. “An apparent argument seemingly escalated to a point where Kenneth Booth, a Cullman County Deputy, drew a weapon and killed the victim.”

Local media identified Booth’s victim as a sheriff’s office dispatcher, Alexis “Lexi” White, 23, of Cullman County.

“The victim was also an employee of the sheriff’s office and the two were involved in a dating relationship. Booth then turned the weapon on himself, taking his life,” the sheriff’s office spokesman stated.

“Our family here at the sheriff’s office is devastated,” Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry said. “We are all in shock and saddened to our very core.

“Our hearts go out to the families of all those involved. I would ask that everyone join me in praying for the families, and for everyone here at the Sheriff’s Office.”

Gentry said White had been involved with the sheriff’s office since she was 16 years old as a charter member of the Youth Leadership Academy.

“There are not enough words to express what she and her family mean to me. I am literally heartbroken. I feel like Lexi is one of my own kids,” Gentry said.