Marmet Woman Killed in Tragic Accidental Shooting at Charleston Gas Station
A tragic and deeply unsettling incident is under investigation after a Marmet woman was fatally shot in what authorities believe was an accidental discharge of a firearm early Tuesday morning in Charleston, West Virginia.
According to the Charleston Police Department (CPD), the incident occurred shortly after midnight, around 12:10 a.m., in the 5600 block of MacCorkle Avenue Southeast near the Sheetz gas station in Kanawha City. The victim has been identified as Tiffany Clerenia Adkins, 42, of Marmet.
Police say the alleged shooter, Jacob Fields, 18, of Charleston, was sitting in his vehicle at a gas pump while handling his firearm when the tragic accident occurred. Investigators report that Fields was “wiping down” the barrel of his gun inside his vehicle when it unexpectedly discharged. The bullet traveled through the windshield of his car at the precise moment Adkins was walking by, striking her in the back of the head.
Adkins had just exited her own vehicle and was reportedly walking toward the front entrance of the Sheetz convenience store when she was shot. Witnesses at the scene immediately called 911. Emergency responders arrived within minutes and transported Adkins to a nearby hospital. Despite efforts to save her life, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Jacob Fields remained at the scene and cooperated with responding officers. According to CPD, Fields was standing in the parking lot when they arrived and did not attempt to flee. Authorities have not yet stated whether any charges have been filed, but the case is being thoroughly investigated to determine if criminal negligence played a role in the shooting.
Charleston Police Department officials have called the incident a “heartbreaking accident” and emphasized the importance of firearm safety and responsibility. “This is a tragic situation that ended in the loss of a life,” said a CPD spokesperson. “Our thoughts are with the family of Ms. Adkins, and we are continuing to gather evidence to understand exactly how this happened.”
The CPD is consulting with the Kanawha County Prosecutor’s Office to determine the appropriate course of action. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from the gas station, collecting forensic evidence from the scene, and interviewing witnesses who were present during the incident.
The sudden and violent nature of the shooting has shocked residents in both Marmet and Charleston. Tiffany Adkins is being remembered by friends and family as a kind, caring, and vibrant individual. Social media has been filled with posts mourning her loss and calling for greater public awareness about the risks associated with improper firearm handling.
Gun safety advocates say this incident highlights the devastating consequences that can result from mishandling firearms—even when there is no intent to cause harm. “Every gun should be treated as if it’s loaded, at all times,” said one local firearms instructor. “Cleaning or handling a weapon should always be done in a secure, controlled environment—not at a gas station, and never in public.”
As the investigation continues, the Charleston Police Department is urging anyone with additional information to come forward. At the time of this writing, no arrests have been made, and Fields remains under investigation pending possible charges.
This tragic loss of life has left a community in mourning and reignited important conversations about gun safety, personal responsibility, and the irreversible consequences of a single moment of carelessness.
Our newsroom will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available.