A 21-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to murder, kidnapping, and robbery charges in the death of a 22-year-old man.
The incident occurred in August of 2022 in Talladega National Forest in Alabama. Yasmine Marie Hider pled guilty in front of U.S. District Court Judge R. David Proctor on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
The plea agreement reveals that Hider and another woman, Krystal Diane Pinkins, had flagged down a couple, Adam Simjee and his girlfriend Mikayla Paulus, both college students from Florida, to seek help with a stalled car, which belonged to Pinkins. Simjee and Paulus were en route to Cheaha State Park for a hike when they stopped to help. However, things took a sinister turn.
The two women robbed Simjee and Paulus and ultimately shot Simjee when he attempted to protect himself and his girlfriend. Simjee was fatally wounded, and Hider suffered four gunshot wounds. She was arrested and transported to the hospital for medical treatment.
Hider, from Edmond, Oklahoma, is set to be sentenced on January 4, 2024, and Pinkins is awaiting sentencing after being convicted in federal court.
Paulus recounted the ordeal, describing how the situation escalated when Hider pulled out a gun and forced them into the woods. Simjee, in an attempt to defend himself and Paulus, drew his own gun. Shots were exchanged, resulting in Simjee’s death and Hider’s injuries. Paulus immediately called 911 to report the incident.
Friends and family remember Simjee as a kind-hearted person who always brought humor and laughter to those around him.
A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to cover Simjee’s funeral expenses, with any additional funds being directed toward Paulus’ counseling and related expenses as she moves forward.