Man Allegedly Shoots Woman in Sheetz Parking Lot, Initially Claims it was an Accident, Authorities Report

A tragic incident unfolded at a West Virginia gas station, where a man allegedly shot and killed a woman in what he initially claimed was an accidental discharge of his firearm. Jacob Fields, a 19-year-old, now faces charges of first-degree murder for the death of Tiffany Adkins, aged 42, as documented by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Fields made a court appearance this week to address the incident that took place in May of the previous year.

The events unfolded on May 27, 2025, at a Sheetz convenience store located on MacCorkle Avenue in Charleston. Fields was reportedly seated in a vehicle parked beside a gas pump when the incident occurred. According to a criminal complaint cited by local CBS affiliate WOWK, Adkins was walking past Fields’ car toward the store when she was struck in the back of the head by a bullet.

Adkins collapsed to the ground, prompting a response from the Charleston Police Department. Upon their arrival, Fields allegedly told the officers that the gun fired accidentally while he was “wiping down” its barrel, which initially led to his being charged with involuntary manslaughter, the local news station reported.

However, subsequent investigations revealed discrepancies in Fields’ account. Surveillance video, reviewed by authorities, contradicted his story, showing that Fields deliberately aimed his Glock Model 20 Gen 5 10mm pistol at Adkins. The footage reportedly captured him looking in her direction, waiting until she was in his line of sight, and then intentionally raising the weapon with both hands before firing, as detailed in the criminal complaint.

However, investigators are said to have realized that statement was a lie. Surveillance footage showed that Fields “looked toward her, waited for her to enter his field of fire and raised his Glock Model 20 Gen 5 10mm pistol with both hands, pointing it directly at Ms. Adkins” before firing, according to the complaint.

Fields’ windshield reportedly shattered from the impact of the bullet, and he was standing in the parking lot when officers got to the scene. It is unclear whether he had any relationship with the victim.

Adkins was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The suspect’s involuntary manslaughter charge was later upgraded to first-degree murder, and he was also charged with the use or presentment of a firearm during the commission of a felony, WOWK reported. He has pleaded not guilty.

During Fields’ court appearance on Tuesday, a judge granted a motion for one of his attorneys to step down, with another attorney taking their place. The defendant is expected back in court next month, with a possible trial to take place on April 15.