Tennessee Woman Convicted of Federal Crimes Committed in the Talladega National Forest

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Tennessee woman was convicted of crimes committed in the Talladega National Forest, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples.

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 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.”

“The victims of this terrible crime were simply being Good Samaritans” said FBI Birmingham SAC Peeples. “Today’s verdict sends a strong message that individuals who commit these crimes will be held accountable for their actions. I would like to thank the many local, state and federal resources that came together to seek justice for the victim.  I hope today’s verdict can bring continued healing to the families and friends who will be forever impacted.” 

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 on October 4, 2023

The FBI and the Forest Service Law Enforcement Investigations - U.S. Department of Agriculture investigated the cases, along with assistance from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Alabama State Park Rangers, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, St. Clair Correctional Facility K9 Tracking Team, District Attorney of the 40^th Judicial Circuit of the State of Alabama- Joseph “Joe” D. Ficquette (which includes Clay County), Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office, Lineville Police Department, Ashland Police Department, Clay County Rescue Squad, Shinbone Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Tri-County Children’s Advocacy Center, and Jacksonville State University Center for Applied Forensics.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Cross and John B. Felton are prosecuting the case.