ASHLAND, Ala. — Two women have been sentenced for their roles 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, pleaded guilty to charges of murder, kidnapping, and robbery. The incident occurred during an attempted robbery, resulting in the death of Adam Simjee.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the two suspects flagged down Simjee and his girlfriend, Mikayla Paulus, under the pretense of needing help with their car. Hider then pulled a gun on them, ordered them to drop their belongings, and walk into the woods. An exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in Simjee’s death and injuries to Hider. After the shooting, Pinkins fled the scene on foot, and law enforcement later found them at a base camp in the forest.
Hider has been sentenced to 35 years in prison, while Pinkins has been sentenced to life. In a statement, U.S. Attorney Escalona expressed hope that these convictions and sentences bring justice to the victims and their families, thanking local, state, and federal partners for their efforts in the investigation.
The tragic incident emphasizes the dangers of living off the grid and the importance of safety measures in remote areas. The sentencing brings some closure to a harrowing story of violence and loss, with the hope that the community can heal from the impact of this senseless crime.
The case serves as a reminder of the need for safety awareness and vigilance in secluded areas, and the importance of seeking assistance from official authorities when encountering unfamiliar situations. Simjee’s passing is a tragic loss, and the sentencing of the two women offers some solace to those affected by the untimely death of a promising young individual.