ASHLAND, Ala. — Two women have been convicted for their involvement in the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old Florida college student in the Talladega National Forest, near Alabama’s Cheaha State Park. Krystal Pinkins and Yasmine Hider, who had been living off the grid in the national forest for several weeks, were found guilty of murder, kidnapping, and robbery, following the shooting of Adam Simjee during an attempted robbery.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s office, the two suspects flagged down Simjee and his girlfriend, Mikayla Paulus, under the guise of needing help with their car. However, the situation quickly escalated when Hider pulled out a gun and forced them to drop their belongings and walk into the woods. A confrontation ensued, resulting in an exchange of gunfire, leaving both Simjee and Hider injured. Medical personnel were unable to revive Simjee, leading to his death at the scene.
The subsequent investigation led law enforcement to a base camp about half a mile from the scene of the robbery, where they found Pinkins fleeing the area with her son. Hider, on the other hand, was caught near the camp. Days after the incident, Hider expressed remorse, stating, “I didn’t want to hurt anybody” and acknowledging that she had taken someone’s life.
Hider has been sentenced to 35 years in prison, while Pinkins has been sentenced to life. In response to the verdict, U.S. Attorney Escalona expressed hope that the convictions would bring justice to the victims and their families, recognizing the efforts of law enforcement in the investigation.
The case serves as a tragic reminder of the consequences of criminal actions and the impact they have on the lives of those affected. The senseless loss of life and the suffering caused by such acts highlight the importance of upholding the law and ensuring accountability for those who commit violent crimes.