by Charleston, West Virginia — A 19-year-old man is facing a first-degree murder charge after authorities say he fatally shot a woman outside a Sheetz convenience store and initially claimed the gun discharged accidentally.
Jacob Fields is accused in the death of Tiffany Adkins, 42, according to records from the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
The shooting occurred on May 27, 2025, at a Sheetz location on the 5600 block of MacCorkle Avenue in Charleston.
What Investigators Say Happened
According to a criminal complaint obtained by local media, Fields was seated in a vehicle parked next to a gas pump when Adkins walked past his car toward the front of the store.
Authorities allege that as she passed by, a bullet struck her in the back of the head, causing her to collapse in the parking lot.
Officers with the Charleston Police Department responded to the scene.
Fields allegedly told officers he was “wiping down” the barrel of his firearm when it accidentally discharged. He was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter, according to local reports.
Surveillance Video Contradicted Initial Claim
Investigators later reviewed surveillance footage from the gas station, which they say told a different story.
According to the complaint, video shows Fields looking toward Adkins, waiting for her to enter his line of sight, and then raising a Glock Model 20 Gen 5 10mm pistol with both hands before firing.
Authorities also noted that Fields’ windshield shattered from the bullet’s impact.
Adkins was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Officials have not publicly disclosed whether Fields and Adkins knew each other.
Charges Upgraded
Following further investigation, prosecutors upgraded the charge to first-degree murder. Fields is also charged with use or presentment of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
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He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Court Proceedings Ongoing
During a recent court appearance, a judge granted a motion allowing one of Fields’ attorneys to withdraw from the case, with a replacement attorney stepping in.
Fields is scheduled to return to court next month. A potential trial date has been set for April 15, though that could change as proceedings continue.
The case remains active as prosecutors prepare for trial.
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