Tennessee woman ‘living off the grid’ convicted in fatal Talladega forest robbery of Florida students

Tennessee woman ‘living off the grid’ convicted in fatal Talladega forest robbery of Florida students

A Tennessee woman has been convicted in fatal robbery of two Florida college students that ended in the shooting death of one victims in the Talladega National Forest.

A federal jury returned a guilty verdict against Krystal Diane Pinkins, 37, of Memphis after four days of testimony before Judge R. David Proctor.

Pinkins was convicted of murder, robbery, and unlawful use of a firearm during a crime of violence, announced Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples.

“Today, the jury held the defendant accountable for her actions,” Escalona said. “I want to thank our local, state, and federal partners for their tireless efforts in this investigation and bringing justice to the victims and their families.”

Yasmine Marie Adel Hider, a 21-year-old Oklahoma woman, agreed earlier this month to plead guilty to second-degree murder, kidnapping of a victim not resulting in death, and robbery.

Hider testified in Pinkins’ trial and is expected to formally enter her guilty plea on Oct. 4.

The women were charged in connection to the slaying of 22-year-old Adam Simjee. He and his girlfriend, Mikayla Paulus, were robbed at gunpoint while they were hiking in Cheaha State Park on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022.

Hider and Pinkins, previously described as “living off the grid,” are also facing murder charges in Clay County. Trial dates have not been announced in the state cases.

Paulus previously spoke with AL.com about what happened that morning.

The couple was flagged down by Hider to help “jump start” Pinkins’ car which was broken down.

Hider robbed the couple and shot the Simjee as he attempted to defend himself and his girlfriend.

Evidence proved Pinkins aided in the crimes by providing the firearm, planning the robbery, and watching nearby in the woods as the robbery and murder took place.

After the shooting, Pinkins fled into the woods and was found six hours later hidden in a secluded campsite.

The maximum penalty for murder and unlawful use of a firearm during a crime of violence is life in prison. The maximum penalty for robbery is 15 years in prison.

A sentencing date for Pinkins has not yet been announced.