Larissa Genrette crying in Outer Banks season 4 (2024) between the Pogues and the show's poster

One of the bigger mysteries of Outer Banks season 4, part 2 was how Larissa Genrette really died, with answers being provided by the show’s conclusion. The ending of Outer Banks season 4, part 1 revealed that JJ’s biological father was not the abusive Luke, but instead Chandler Groff. This meant that Larissa Genrette was JJ’s birth mother, the woman whose death kickstarted Outer Banks‘ latest treasure hunt.

Larissa was said to have drowned, brought on by a supernatural curse placed on the Genrette family that stretches back to the days of Edward Teach, the infamous pirate also known as Blackbeard. However, as Outer Banks season 4, part 2’s ending unfolded, it was revealed that no curse nor ghostly premonitions were carrying out murders. Instead, a more realistic yet equally sinister plot surrounded Larissa’s death – one that will even lead into Outer Banks season 5’s story as the culprit remains at large.

Larissa Genrette Was Killed By Her Husband, Chandler Groff

Groff Killed Genrette & Fabricated A Story To Get Away With It

Groff killing Larissa in Outer Banks season 4 (2024)

In Outer Banks season 4, part 2, it was revealed that Larissa Genrette was killed by her husband, JJ’s real father, Chandler Groff. During a climactic confrontation aboard Groff’s boat during Outer Banks season 4, episode 8, JJ asks him if he killed Larissa. Groff continues to deny it and states that Larissa drowned, though a brief flashback shows him beating Larissa with a candlestick. This comes before Groff attempts to kill JJ, proving his murderous nature if it was not already evident.

Why Groff Kills Larissa Genrette

Groff’s Personal Gain Outweighs His Love Of Family

Chandler Groff in Outer Banks season 4 episode 4

The burning question after this revelation is why Groff killed Larissa, as well as her father, Wes Genrette. Groff fabricated the idea of the ghostly curse placed on the Genrette family as a means of linking not only to their family history as descendants of Edward Teach but also so that he would not be suspected. Groff used mannequins and other tricks to make Wes think the curse was real, before killing him. Wes, believing the curse, did not suspect that Groff killed Larissa before his own death.

Groff believed he was next in line to receive their ancestral house and a massive chunk of land on Goat Island…

In killing both members of the Genrette family, Groff believed he was next in line to receive their ancestral house and a massive chunk of land on Goat Island, situated in Outer Banks‘ titular OBX location. This also explains why he tried to kill JJ multiple times throughout Outer Banks season 4, as the Pogue was rightfully next in line to receive the house and the land. Eventually, Groff’s plan hits a snag when Wes’ will reveals that Goat Island is to be turned into a nature reserve, leading to his manipulation of Rafe and search for the Blue Crown in Outer Banks season 4.