VANCE, AL — Investigators have released additional details after an officer-involved shooting in Vance early Thursday morning left a woman dead and a man injured.
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As Patch previously reported, investigators responded early Thursday morning to the 13000 block of Gladys Drive in Vance after Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies were involved in a shooting while serving a warrant.
Captain Marty Sellers of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit told local media in an update Thursday afternoon that a manslaughter charge has been filed against a Tuscaloosa County man who allegedly created the circumstances that led to his sister being fatally shot during the incident.
Sellers said deputies responded at approximately 5 a.m. to the location on Gladys Drive in an attempt to locate 36-year-old Ricky Adkins, who was wanted on multiple warrants, including at least one felony warrant.
Sellers then said deputies located Adkins inside a tent behind a residence and made contact with the occupants.
Adkins’ sister, identified by investigators as 43-year-old Christie Lynn Adkins, allegedly spoke with deputies at the entrance to the tent and attempted to conceal her brother’s identity.
Sellers said deputies ordered Ricky Adkins to remove a face covering when he allegedly pulled what appeared to be a handgun and pointed it at deputies over his sister’s shoulder.
Deputies then opened fire, striking both Ricky Adkins and Christie Lynn Adkins, 43.
"Investigation later determined that the handgun was a BB or pellet gun that was made to look exactly like a handgun," Sellers said. "It was indistinguishable from a functioning handgun."
Ricky Adkins was hit by multiple rounds, receiving life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. His sister died from her injuries at the scene.
"After reviewing bodycams, physical evidence and witness statements and after consultation with the District Attorney, investigators obtained a warrant for manslaughter on Mr. Adkins," Sellers said. "Mr. Adkins created the circumstances that led to Ms. Adkins’ death."
Sellers said Ricky Adkins will be charged upon his release from medical treatment.
No law enforcement officials were injured during the shooting.
As was mentioned earlier Thursday, Sellers reiterated that investigators and supervisors not affiliated with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office were assigned to handle the case for the Violent Crimes Unit.
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