Kristie Lynn Adkins, a 43-year-old White woman, died on May 28, 2026, after a deputy-involved shooting in the Vance area of Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The shooting happened early that morning at a home in the 13000 block of Gladys Drive, where Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies had gone to serve warrants on her brother, 36-year-old Ricky Adkins.
What began as a warrant service behind a residence ended with Kristie fatally wounded, Ricky critically injured, and a criminal charge filed against him in connection with his sister’s death.
According to law enforcement accounts reported online, deputies arrived at the property around 5 a.m. while looking for Ricky, who was wanted on warrants that reportedly included certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm and menacing. Deputies were directed toward a tent behind the home, where they found Ricky and Kristie together. Investigators said Kristie initially spoke with deputies at the entrance of the tent and attempted to conceal her brother’s identity, telling them that only she and her dogs were inside. Deputies later saw a man inside the tent wearing a face covering and ordered him to remove it.
The encounter turned deadly when investigators say Ricky pulled what appeared to be a handgun from his waistband and pointed it toward deputies over Kristie’s shoulder. Authorities later said the weapon was not a functioning firearm, but a BB or pellet gun designed to closely resemble a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield handgun. Officials said it was indistinguishable from a real handgun during the confrontation. Deputies opened fire, striking both Kristie and Ricky. Kristie suffered fatal injuries, while Ricky was hit multiple times and taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation because the shooting involved deputies from the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators reviewed body camera footage, physical evidence, and witness statements before consulting with the district attorney. After that review, authorities obtained a manslaughter warrant for Ricky Adkins, saying he created the circumstances that led to Kristie’s death. Officials said he would be formally charged upon release from medical treatment.
Ricky Adkins was the named suspect in the manslaughter case. Reports indicated that he remained hospitalized after the shooting but was expected to survive. In addition to the manslaughter warrant connected to Kristie’s death, he was also expected to face the original warrants deputies had come to serve. The deputies involved in the shooting were reportedly placed on paid administrative leave while the independent investigation continued. Online reports available at the time did not show that the case had reached trial or resulted in a conviction.
