Rebeca Nicole Akins dies in fatal Dalton shooting

Rebeca Nicole Akins dies in fatal Dalton shooting

Fatal Dalton shooting death of Rebeca Nicole Akins – Obituary

Authorities in Dalton, Georgia, have confirmed the tragic deaths of three people in what they say was a double homicide followed by a suicide.

The suspect, 37-year-old Kevin Andrew Akins, is believed to have fatally shot his wife, Rebeca Nicole Akins, age 35, early in the morning on May 21 at her residence on Murray Avenue.

After allegedly killing his wife, Kevin Akins is reported to have driven to another location on Shadow Lane, where he shot and killed his girlfriend, 33-year-old Cindel Mae Rhoden, before taking his own life.

Police were called to Rebeca Akins’ apartment around 6 p.m. on May 23 after concerned coworkers noted she had not shown up for work or made contact for several days. Upon arrival and after gaining access with assistance from the apartment management, officers found her dead from what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head.

Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed Kevin Akins leaving the scene around 6 a.m. on May 21. Later that day, police located his vehicle at the Shadow Lane apartment complex.

In the early morning hours of May 24, while officers waited for a search warrant, a man identified as Rhoden’s father entered the apartment with a key and soon called 911 after finding the bodies of his daughter and Akins inside.

Detectives have found evidence supporting the conclusion that Kevin Akins shot Rhoden and then died by suicide.

Residents of the usually peaceful Murray Avenue neighborhood expressed their shock and unease. Vickey Tinsley, who lives nearby, recalled seeing police activity and crime scene tape, initially unsure of what had happened. She and other neighbors described the area as quiet and safe, making the tragic news even more disturbing.

Tinsley also noted seeing a grieving family member at the scene, identifying himself as Rebeca’s uncle.

The motivation behind the violent acts remains unclear, and authorities have not yet released any conclusions about what triggered the incident. The investigation continues as officials gather more information.