Woman shot to death when brother pointed pellet gun at Alabama deputies was a ‘beautiful soul’
Kristie Lynn Adkins was shot multiple times by deputies. Her brother, Ricky Dale Adkins, was critically wounded and charged in her death.
Mason Reed 
A tragic incident in Vance has left a family mourning the loss of 43-year-old Kristie Lynn Adkins, a woman described by loved ones as a beautiful soul with a bright future. Her death occurred early Thursday morning during a confrontation between Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies and her brother, 36-year-old Ricky Dale Adkins.
The Incident
Deputies arrived at the 13000 block of Gladys Drive around 5 a.m. to serve warrants on Ricky Adkins, who was wanted for menacing and being a person forbidden to possess a firearm. According to Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Capt. Marty Sellers, the siblings were residing in tents behind their family home. After initial hesitation from Kristie Adkins, deputies eventually made contact with the pair, both of whom initially provided false identities.
The situation escalated when Ricky Adkins pulled what appeared to be a handgun from his waistband and aimed it at law enforcement while standing behind his sister. Three deputies opened fire in response to the threat. Investigators later confirmed that the weapon was actually a BB or pellet gun, though Sellers noted it was a precise replica of a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm Shield. "It was completely indistinguishable from the actual weapon," Sellers stated. "So the deputies acted appropriately with the force that was necessary at that time."
Legal Consequences and Family Response
Kristie Adkins was pronounced dead at the scene. Her brother remains in critical but stable condition and is expected to survive; he now faces a charge of manslaughter in connection with her death. "Mr. Adkins created the situation that resulted in his sister’s death," Sellers said. "Mr. Adkins chose how this happened."
The family is now grappling with the aftermath of the shooting. Kristie’s stepfather, Phillip Atchison, shared his grief via a GoFundMe page set up to assist with funeral expenses. Atchison expressed that the family is heartbroken, noting that Kristie had been working hard to turn her life around.
Investigation Status
The investigation is being handled by authorities not affiliated with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and findings are expected to be presented to a grand jury. The three deputies involved remain on standard paid administrative leave following the officer-involved shooting. For further details on the circumstances of the event, see the original report here. Those wishing to support the family during this time can contribute to the memorial fund here.
