ASHLAND, Ala. — Two women, Krystal Pinkins and Yasmine Hider, were sentenced for their roles in the shooting death of a 22-year-old Florida college student in the Talladega National Forest near Alabama’s Cheaha State Park. The women, who had been living “off the grid” in the national forest for weeks, pleaded guilty to charges of murder, kidnapping, and robbery.
According to authorities, the two suspects flagged down Adam Simjee and his girlfriend, Mikayla Paulus, on August 16, 2022, and told them they needed help with their car. Hider then pulled a gun on them, ordered them to drop their belongings, and walk into the woods. During the confrontation, Simjee pulled out his gun, leading to an exchange of gunfire that resulted in Simjee and Hider being hit. Simjee died at the scene, while Hider was transported to a hospital for surgery.
Following an investigation, authorities discovered a second suspect, Pinkins, who had fled the shooting scene on foot. They found a large group of tents set up in the National Forest, which appeared to be a base camp. Law enforcement also found a 5-year-old child holding a loaded shotgun near the base camp. Hider expressed remorse, stating that she didn’t want to hurt anybody and acknowledging that she had taken his whole life away.
Hider has been sentenced to 35 years in prison, while Pinkins has been sentenced to life. U.S. Attorney Escalona expressed hope that the convictions and sentences would bring justice to the victims and their families. The women have been held accountable for their actions, bringing some closure to a tragic event.