Dalton, Georgia in Mourning After Devastating Double Murder-Suicide

Dalton, Georgia in Mourning After Devastating Double Murder-Suicide

The city of Dalton, Georgia, is in a state of profound grief and disbelief following a tragic act of domestic violence that claimed the lives of two women and an unborn child, leaving families shattered and a community reeling in the aftermath of an unthinkable crime.

Authorities from the Dalton Police Department have confirmed that on Saturday, May 24, 2025, 37-year-old Kevin Akins committed a horrifying double murder-suicide, fatally shooting his wife, Rebeca Akins, 35, and his girlfriend, Cindel Rhoden, 33. Cindel Rhoden was pregnant at the time of the attack, and her unborn child also perished in the violence. Akins then turned the weapon on himself.

A Community Shaken to Its Core

News of the killings has sent shockwaves throughout Dalton, a tight-knit community known for its warmth and resilience. Residents are struggling to comprehend the motives and the immense loss inflicted by this single, violent event.

“We are heartbroken,” said Chief Brian Woodson of the Dalton Police Department during a press briefing on Sunday morning. “This is a tragedy beyond words. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and all who knew and loved them.”

Investigators responded to reports of gunfire at a residential property in the early evening hours of Saturday. Upon arrival, officers discovered the three deceased individuals inside the home. It was quickly established that Kevin Akins was responsible for the shootings before taking his own life. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details regarding the weapon used or the sequence of events that led up to the murders, citing an ongoing investigation.

Lives Cut Short

The victims of this tragedy—Rebeca Akins and Cindel Rhoden—are being remembered as vibrant, caring individuals whose lives ended far too soon.

Rebeca Akins was described by those who knew her as a devoted mother and a hard-working woman who carried herself with quiet strength and grace. “She was someone you could always count on,” said a family friend. “Rebeca loved her children fiercely and always put others first.”

Cindel Rhoden, also a mother, was expecting a new life into the world. Friends recall her joy and anticipation as she prepared to welcome her baby. “Cindel had a light about her,” one neighbor shared. “She was kind, full of hope, and she didn’t deserve this.”

A Deeper Tragedy: Domestic Violence in the Spotlight

While the exact dynamics and motivations remain under investigation, this heartbreaking incident is already sparking broader conversations about domestic violence and the hidden dangers that often lie behind closed doors.

“This isn’t just a private tragedy; it’s a public wake-up call,” said Linda Vasquez, director of a local women’s shelter. “Domestic violence doesn’t always come with obvious warning signs, but it destroys lives silently until it erupts in unimaginable ways like this.”

Advocates are urging anyone who may be in an unsafe situation or who suspects someone they know is being abused to reach out for help. Dalton community organizations, counselors, and crisis hotlines are now working overtime to support those grieving while redoubling efforts to raise awareness and provide resources to vulnerable individuals.

Moving Forward in Grief

Dalton city officials have announced that a community vigil will be held this coming Friday at Harmon Field, where residents will gather to mourn, light candles, and support the surviving family members and children affected by this horrific event.

Counseling services and trauma support teams have also been made available at local schools and community centers. Faith leaders and civic organizations are coordinating efforts to ensure that no one in the community faces their grief alone.

Honoring the Victims

As the investigation continues, the memory of Rebeca Akins, Cindel Rhoden, and her unborn child will not be forgotten. Their names now echo through the halls of their community, etched into the hearts of all who mourn this unimaginable loss.

Dalton, though shaken, remains a city determined not to let violence define its spirit. In the midst of this darkness, neighbors are turning to one another with compassion and resolve—committed to healing, remembrance, and change.