Dalton, Georgia — Authorities are investigating a suspected murder-suicide involving a local man, his wife, and his girlfriend. Police have identified 37-year-old Kevin Andrew Akins as the individual believed to have shot both women before taking his own life.
The tragic events unfolded between May 21 and May 23, beginning with the death of Rebeca Nicole Akins, 35, at her apartment on Murray Avenue. Coworkers reported concerns for Rebeca when she failed to show up for work over a few days. When officers arrived at her residence on the evening of May 23, they discovered her dead from an apparent gunshot wound.
Surveillance footage revealed that Kevin Akins left Rebeca’s apartment around 6 a.m. on May 21. Investigators were able to track his movements later that day to an apartment complex on Shadow Lane, where he allegedly confronted his girlfriend, 33-year-old Cindel Mae Rhoden. It is believed he shot Rhoden before turning the gun on himself.
The following morning, on May 24, officers observed a man entering Rhoden’s apartment. He later called 911 to report the discovery of two bodies inside. Authorities suspect that Kevin Akins fatally shot Rhoden before his suicide.
Residents in the normally quiet neighborhood expressed shock and disbelief at the violence that occurred nearby. Vickey Tinsley, who lives just a few doors down from Rebeca’s apartment, described her alarm upon seeing police presence and yellow crime scene tape. “It’s terrifying to think something like this could happen so close to home,” she said, noting how the usually serene area has become a site of tragedy.
Details surrounding the events leading up to the shootings remain unclear, and investigators are working diligently to piece together the timeline. The names of all involved will not be released until their families are accurately informed of the circumstances.
As the investigation continues, police urge anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Authorities anticipate additional information may emerge as they sift through evidence. Community members are grappling with the aftermath of this devastating incident, striving to make sense of the tragedy that unfolded in their midst.