Ashlynn Marissa Sparks was 18 when she was killed on a December night in 2016 in Lipscomb, Alabama. She and her boyfriend were sitting in a car on Circle Drive when, according to investigators, they were ambushed during what authorities believe was an attempted robbery. Both were shot as the boyfriend tried to drive away; they made it to a convenience store in Bessemer and were taken to a hospital, where Ashlynn died and her boyfriend survived.

The Lipscomb Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated and identified a suspect, leading to the arrest of 20-year-old Anthony Dewayne Smith of Fairfield on a capital murder charge. Authorities said they were seeking at least one other person. Subsequent arrests brought the total to four people charged in connection with the case: Adam Decoreyea Smith, 23, of Bessemer; Richard Steven Martinez, 20, of Lipscomb; and Courtney Brianna Devaughn, 22, of Center Point. Each faced capital murder and attempted murder counts related to the robbery that resulted in Ashlynn’s death.

Ashlynn’s family and community remembered her as giving and loving with a kind soul. If anyone has information about that night or knew Ashlynn, please share what you can with investigators.