Man to be charged after allegedly pointing pellet gun at deputies, causing sister’s shooting death

VANCE, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) - An Alabama man will be charged with manslaughter after he allegedly pointed a pellet gun at deputies while they tried to serve a warrant, causing them to shoot, which killed the man’s sister.

Deputies with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office responded at 5 a.m. Thursday to a home in Vance. They were trying to find 36-year-old Ricky Adkins, who was wanted on multiple warrants.

Deputies found Ricky Adkins in a tent behind the house with his sister, 43-year-old Kristie Adkins. The siblings reportedly tried to hide Ricky Adkins’ identity from deputies using false names and a face covering.

When deputies asked Ricky Adkins to remove the covering, he allegedly drew a BB or pellet gun that was designed to look like a handgun and pointed it at the deputies over his sister’s shoulder.

“It was a replica of a Smith and Wesson M&P Shield. It was completely indistinguishable from an actual weapon that fires a projectile or bullet, so the deputies reacted appropriately with the force that was necessary at that time,” said Capt. Marty Sellers of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit.

Authorities say deputies fired their department-issued weapons, hitting both Ricky and Kristie Adkins, the latter of whom died from her injuries.

Ricky Adkins, who was hit by multiple rounds, received life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital. His stepfather, Phillip Atchinson, says he is currently on breathing support.

“Both are my stepkids. I love both of them. I was trying my best to help both of them get their lives back in order. This right here is unbelievable. You gotta be strong. I got a strong wife, and I’m gonna be as strong as she is,” Atchinson said.

Authorities say Ricky Adkins is in “critical but stable” condition and is expected to survive. Officers remain at the hospital with him since he is in custody.

“You know body cams will tell the truth about what happened,” Atchinson said. “We like to believe our law enforcement, but... there’s no need to unload six or eight times into a blind tent. But they got their reasons for doing that and justified. Only time will tell. The truth will come out.”

At a Friday news conference, Sellers said Ricky Adkins will be served a warrant for manslaughter upon his release from the hospital. He will also be served the two warrants deputies were originally trying to serve, which are for certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm and menacing.

“Mr. Adkins created the circumstances that led to Ms. Adkins’ death. Due to this, the warrant was obtained,” the VCU said.

The shooting will be sent to a Tuscaloosa County grand jury after Ricky Adkins is served his warrants.

Three deputies were put on paid leave following the incident, per protocol. Their time away from active duty will be determined by the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Sellers says.