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A tragic incident unfolded in Alabama when a mother expecting her second child was tragically killed by a determined stalker, who subsequently took his own life as authorities closed in on him.
Shelby Amidon, aged 29, lost her life at her residence in Warrior on Thursday morning, as confirmed by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The assailant was identified as Ricky O’Neil Beck Jr.
Amidon, who was both married and pregnant, managed to call 911 after the shooting, identifying Beck as her stalker, according to reports by AL.com. It appears that Beck had been following her for some time, though the nature of their relationship remains unclear.
Authorities are still investigating how Amidon and Beck were connected.
Following the incident, Beck fled the scene in his Chevrolet Z71, which was equipped with a distinctive silver toolbox, prompting a local police alert.
Senior ALEA Trooper Brandon Bailey said he saw Beck pull out a gun while ramming a responding Blount County sheriff deputy’s patrol vehicle, the outlet reported.
The deputy opened fire, but Beck was able to get away — sparking a manhunt.
Beck’s body was found in a wooded area later that same day, where he appeared to have shot himself, Bailey told the outlet.
The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation is still investigating.
Amidon was married to Nick Amidon, a data analyst at a local bank. The two share one young son, according to a GoFundMe organized by Nick’s mother.
“Shelby was a beautiful soul who brought love, warmth, and light to those around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her,” she wrote.
“No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain.”
The GoFundMe was close to clearing the $12,000 mark as of Tuesday evening.