DALTON, GA — Community Devastated by Double Murder-Suicide That Claimed Lives of Two Women and Unborn Child

The city of Dalton, Georgia, is in mourning following a harrowing act of domestic violence that claimed the lives of two women and an unborn child in a tragic double murder-suicide that has left families shattered and the community reeling. Authorities from the Dalton Police Department confirmed that 37-year-old Kevin Akins fatally shot his wife, Rebeca Akins, 35, and his girlfriend, Cindel Rhoden, 33, before turning the gun on himself on May 24, 2025.

The shocking sequence of events unfolded at two separate locations, underscoring the depth of the tragedy and the devastation left in its wake.

Timeline of the Tragedy

According to police reports, Kevin Akins first went to Rebeca Akins’ apartment on Murray Avenue, where he fatally shot her. Rebeca, described by those who knew her as kind-hearted and deeply devoted to her family, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shortly after, Akins drove to Shadow Lane, where he confronted his girlfriend, Cindel Rhoden, at her home. Rhoden—who was five months pregnant—was also fatally shot. Akins then died by suicide at the same location. The unborn child, a boy who Cindel had already named Noah Elliot, also perished.

The Dalton Police Department has confirmed that Kevin Akins was in simultaneous relationships with both women. He was legally married to Rebeca while maintaining a relationship with Cindel, who was expecting his child. Family members of both victims have expressed shock, sorrow, and anger, struggling to understand the depth of deception and violence that led to the devastating loss.

Tributes to the Victims

Rebeca Akins: A Life Taken Too Soon

Family and friends remember Rebeca Akins as a gentle and generous spirit who worked hard, loved deeply, and always put others before herself. Those close to her are mourning the loss of a woman who had dreams of building a better future and who gave her all to the people she loved.

“She didn’t deserve this,” said a family member. “Rebeca was a beautiful person inside and out. Our family is heartbroken beyond words.”

Cindel Rhoden: A Loving Mother of Two and Expectant Mother

Cindel Rhoden leaves behind two daughters and a grieving extended family. Her aunt, Lynn Barker, spoke through tears, describing her as a loving mother whose world revolved around her children. Barker revealed that Cindel was thrilled to be having a boy, completing her family with what she saw as a long-awaited blessing.

“She had already named him Noah Elliot,” Barker said. “The girls were excited to have a baby brother. Now all of that has been stolen from them.”

Barker also emphasized that Cindel was misled in her relationship with Kevin Akins, unaware of the full extent of his duplicity.

“She didn’t ask for this situation. She believed what she was told. She was lied to, and ultimately, she became a victim of a man who made choices that destroyed three lives.”

Community Grief and Outrage

The tragedy has sparked widespread grief in Dalton, with neighbors, co-workers, and even strangers expressing their sorrow and disbelief at such a horrific event. Many have placed flowers and candles outside the victims’ residences. Vigils are being planned in memory of the women and unborn baby Noah.

Mental health professionals and advocacy groups have also weighed in, highlighting the dire consequences of unaddressed domestic violence and the importance of early intervention. There are renewed calls for stronger support systems and resources for women navigating potentially dangerous relationships.

“This tragedy reminds us that domestic violence isn’t always visible on the surface,” said one local advocate. “We need to build a community where people feel safe to speak up and where help is always within reach.”

Support for the Surviving Children

Cindel’s two young daughters are now being cared for by family members. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support them financially and help cover funeral costs. The community has already begun rallying around the girls, offering donations, clothing, meals, and emotional support.

“These children are going to need so much love and support to heal,” Barker said. “They lost their mother in the most traumatic way possible. We owe it to Cindel to make sure her daughters know they are never alone.”

A City in Mourning, A Call for Healing

As Dalton tries to make sense of this heartbreaking event, local leaders and law enforcement are urging anyone who may be in an unsafe relationship to seek help. Resources for domestic violence victims are being circulated widely, and support networks are stepping in to provide grief counseling and trauma care for those affected.

“This is not just a family tragedy—it’s a community tragedy,” said one resident. “Dalton is grieving, but we are also coming together. We must learn from this and take every measure possible to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788. Help is available. You are not alone.