TALLADEGA NATIONAL FOREST, ALABAMA – A teenage girl has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder, kidnapping, and robbery of 22-year-old Adam Simjee in Talladega National Forest, Alabama. Yasmine Marie Hider pleaded guilty to the charges after luring the victim and his girlfriend, Mikayla Paulus, to help her jump-start her car, only to rob and ultimately murder Simjee.
According to the plea agreement, Hider pulled out a gun on the couple and ordered them to empty their pockets before walking them into the forest. Simjee, however, had hidden a gun and was able to defend himself when Hider’s guard was down. Despite being shot multiple times, Hider survived, while Simjee tragically died at the scene.
Hider had been living off the grid in the forest with Krystal Pinkins, who owned the car used in the crime and the gun used to kill Simjee. Pinkins was also sentenced to life in prison for her involvement in the murder. Hider confessed to the police that Pinkins had come up with the idea of robbing a motorist and had been present during the crime. She even inquired about Simjee’s condition while being treated in the hospital, showing remorse for her actions.
The plea agreement also revealed that Hider had documented the crime on Paulus’ phone, recorded herself asking for banking information and credit card numbers, and later expressed regret for taking Simjee’s life. The defense lawyers for Hider and Pinkins declined to comment on the case.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers of assisting strangers and the devastating consequences that can arise from a seemingly innocent act of kindness. The sentencing brings some closure to the family and loved ones of the victim, but the impact of this senseless crime will be felt for years to come.