In the quiet town of Bay Minette, Alabama, the life of 29-year-old Krystal Rose Renee Hancock was tragically cut short on the night of Wednesday, December 12, 2018. Just weeks after starting a new job as a dispatcher for the Mount Vernon Police Department, she was found deceased in her home on Eastwood Drive.
That evening, at approximately 10:45 p.m., the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call reporting a shooting at the residence Krystal shared with her husband, 39-year-old
Ben Allen. Upon their arrival, deputies discovered a grim scene in one of the bedrooms. Krystal was found with a fatal gunshot wound, and lying next to her was Allen, who had sustained a severe gunshot wound to his face. He was airlifted to a local hospital in critical condition.
Investigators with the Sheriff's Office quickly began to piece together the events of that night, treating the case as a murder and attempted suicide. It is believed that Allen shot and killed his wife before turning the gun on himself. Authorities indicated that there was no evidence of a third party's involvement, as no one else was present at the residence when the incident occurred.
In the days following the tragic event, more details emerged about the couple's relationship. It was reported that just a day before the shooting, Allen had visited Krystal at her workplace, and a verbal dispute ensued. He was asked to leave the premises, which he did without further incident. It was also revealed that Allen had a history of domestic violence arrests. While the investigation continued, no immediate charges were filed due to Allen's critical condition.
