Man Charged with Murder After Shooting Woman at West Virginia Gas Station

Authorities say Jacob Fields lied to police, claiming the gun accidentally fired while he was cleaning it.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A 19-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting and killing a 42-year-old woman at a Sheetz gas station in Charleston, West Virginia. Authorities say surveillance footage shows Jacob Fields looking at the victim, Tiffany Adkins, and then raising his gun with both hands and shooting her in the back of the head as she walked by his vehicle. Fields initially told police the gun accidentally fired while he was cleaning it, but investigators determined this was a lie.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States, as well as the importance of thorough investigations to uncover the truth when suspects provide false accounts of events. The shooting also occurred at a public gas station, raising concerns about safety and security in community spaces.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, on May 27, 2025, Fields was sitting in a car next to a gas pump at the Sheetz convenience store when Adkins walked by his vehicle to enter the store. Surveillance footage allegedly shows Fields looking at Adkins, waiting for her to enter his line of fire, and then raising his Glock 10mm pistol with both hands and shooting her in the back of the head. The impact shattered Fields' windshield, and he was standing in the parking lot when police arrived. Adkins was taken to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead.

  • On May 27, 2025, the shooting incident occurred at the Sheetz gas station in Charleston, West Virginia.
  • On Tuesday, a judge granted a motion for one of Fields' attorneys to step down, with another attorney taking their place.
  • Fields is expected back in court next month, with a possible trial scheduled for April 15.

The players

Jacob Fields

A 19-year-old man charged with first-degree murder and the use or presentment of a firearm during the commission of a felony for the shooting death of Tiffany Adkins.

Tiffany Adkins

A 42-year-old woman who was fatally shot in the back of the head while walking by Fields' vehicle at the Sheetz gas station.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Jacob Fields out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States, as well as the importance of thorough investigations to uncover the truth when suspects provide false accounts of events. The shooting also occurred at a public gas station, raising concerns about safety and security in community spaces.