Adam Simjee death: Two women 'living off the grid' sentenced for killing Florida student during robbery

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

ASHLAND, ALABAMA: Krystal Pinkins and Yasmine Hider, two women living "off the grid" in the Talladega National Forest near Alabama's Cheaha State Park, were sentenced for their involvement in the shooting death of 22-year-old Adam Simjee, a Florida college student from Apopka.

The women faced charges of murder, kidnapping, and robbery after a fatal encounter during an attempted robbery.

Gun shots fired erupts as victims are lured under false pretenses

The Clay County Sheriff's Office revealed that on August 16, 2022, Pinkins and Hider flagged down Simjee and his girlfriend, Mikayla Paulus, under the guise of needing help with their car. Upon stopping to assist, Hider brandished a firearm, ordering the victims to drop their belongings and enter the woods.

A confrontation unfolded, leading to an exchange of gunfire where Simjee and Hider were both struck. Court documents recorded Hider expressing remorse after the shots were fired, stating, "Why did you shoot? It wasn't supposed to be like this," as per WVTM.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they found Paulus attempting CPR on Simjee, who could not be revived and succumbed to his injuries. Further investigation revealed Pinkins as the second suspect, who had fled the scene on foot. Tracking teams led law enforcement to a makeshift base camp in the National Forest, where Pinkins was apprehended. 

Child emerges from woods with loaded shotgun

During the arrest, a 5-year-old child emerged from the woods holding a loaded shotgun, identified as Pinkins' son, prompting authorities to intervene and secure the child.

In the aftermath of the incident, Hider expressed regret, asking agents if Simjee had died and acknowledging her unintended harm. She lamented, "I took his whole life away; now he can't tell his story."

Hider has been sentenced to 35 years in prison, while Pinkins received a life sentence.

“My sincere hope is that these convictions and sentences bring justice to the victims and the victims’ families, reassuring them that these defendants have been held accountable for their actions,” US Attorney Escalona said. “I want to thank our local, state, and federal partners for their tireless efforts in this investigation.”