Two women arrested in connection to a murder and robbery in the Talladega National Forest will soon be sentenced in the federal case against them.
Yasmine Marie Hider, 21, of Oklahoma, and Krystal Diane Pinkins, 37, of Tennessee, face life in prison.
Hider pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court R. David Proctor to murder, kidnapping and robbery.
Pinkins was convicted last week in federal court of murder, robbery and unlawful use of a firearm during a crime of violence.
The victim in the case, Adam Cassim Simjee, was with his girlfriend on a trip to Cheaha from Florida when they stopped to help a stranded driver jump-start her car. Investigators said it appeared the two were set up, and Pinkins and Hider attempted to rob the couple. However, Simjee attempted to defend himself and protect his girlfriend by shooting Hider. She was shot four times and survived. Simjee was shot in an exchange of gunfire and died on the scene.
Hider and Pinkins are scheduled for federal sentencing on Jan. 4, 2024, at 9 a.m. They have not had trials on their state charges.
Several agencies joined the investigation, including the FBI. Pinkins was found hours after the shooting in an off-grid camp with her child. Officers approached the child, who they said charged them with a shotgun. The child was not injured, and Pinkins was taken into custody without incident.
Clay County District Judge David F. Law later issued a gag order in the case and ordered Clay County Sheriff Jim Studdard to remove social media posts concerning the incident. The order prohibits trial teams from speaking about the case.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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