Woman convicted in murder, robbery of hiker, girlfriend in Alabama forest
Published 5:03 pm Friday, September 29, 2023
A Tennessee woman was convicted Friday of murder, robbery and other charges for her part in a robbery-turned-murder in a national forest in Alabama.
A federal jury returned a guilty verdict against Krystal Diane Pinkins, 37, of Memphis, Tennessee, 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.
“Today, the jury held the defendant accountable for her actions,” U.S. Attorney Prim F. 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.”
According to court documents and trial testimony, on August 14, 2022, a couple who were college students from Florida, were driving to Cheaha State Park, in Clay County, Alabama, to hike to see the waterfalls.
The couple were flagged down by Yasmine Marie Adel Hider, 21, to help “jump start” Pinkins’ car which was broken down. Hider robbed the young male and female and shot the male 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.
Hider, who testified in Pinkins’ trial, is scheduled to plead guilty before Judge R. David Proctor next week, October 4, 2023