Georgia Man Kills Pregnant Girlfriend and Estranged Wife Before Taking His Own Life — Families Rally for Support Through GoFundMe Campaigns

A tragic murder-suicide in Dalton, Georgia has shattered two families and shaken the local community. A 37-year-old man fatally shot his estranged wife and pregnant girlfriend before taking his own life, leaving behind unimaginable grief and heartbreak.

In the wake of this devastating loss, both families have launched GoFundMe campaigns to raise funds for funeral expenses and to provide care for the children left behind. The outpouring of support underscores the community’s resolve to stand with those affected during this heartbreaking time.

Triple Tragedy Unfolds in Dalton

On the evening of Friday, May 23, Dalton police responded to a welfare check at the home of 35-year-old Rebeca Nicole Akins after coworkers reported her missing for several days.

When officers entered her Murray Avenue apartment, they found Rebeca dead from a gunshot wound to the head. Surveillance footage showed a man — later identified as her husband, 37-year-old Kevin Andrew Akins — leaving the residence two days earlier on Wednesday, May 21.

As the investigation progressed, police tracked Kevin’s vehicle to an apartment complex on Shadow Lane. On Saturday morning, before a search warrant was issued, Cindel Mae Rhoden’s father arrived, unlocked a unit, and called 911 to report two more bodies inside.

Inside, authorities discovered Cindel Rhoden, 33, who was five months pregnant, and Kevin Akins. Investigators say Kevin fatally shot Cindel before taking his own life, leaving a community stunned by this heartbreaking chain of events.

A Timeline of Tragedy

According to preliminary police reports, Kevin Akins murdered his wife, Rebeca, early on May 21. He then proceeded to Cindel Rhoden’s residence, where he fatally shot her before taking his own life. These back-to-back acts of violence have left two families shattered and a community grappling with profound grief.

Kevin had been involved with both women at the same time. While still legally married to Rebeca, he was also in a serious relationship with Cindel — a relationship her family described as emotionally manipulative. Just two months prior, in March, Cindel had joyfully shared an ultrasound photo, announcing she was expecting a son due in September 2025.

Grieving Families Reach Out for Support

In the wake of Rebeca’s tragic death, her sister, Emily Landen, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs and support the family during this devastating time.

“On May 23rd, we received the worst news imaginable. My older sister Nicole was taken from us by the man she loved for over half her life,” Emily shared. “This loss has shattered us beyond words.”

Emily also revealed that Rebeca had been with Kevin for 20 years, and their lives — including their finances — were deeply intertwined, making this tragedy all the more overwhelming for those left behind.

“All of her finances were tied up with his,” Emily explained. “She’s even named in his life insurance policy, but we don’t yet know how that will affect her funeral expenses.”

Emily’s goal is to raise $18,000, and so far, the campaign has brought in $1,640.

At the same time, Ashley Barker started a separate GoFundMe for Cindel’s family. The fundraiser honors Cindel as a dedicated mother, bravely raising two daughters on her own while eagerly preparing to welcome her baby boy.

 

“Cindel was so much more than a victim — she was kind, vibrant, and a devoted mother who always put her girls first,” Ashley Barker shared. “She was caught in a manipulative relationship that tragically ended her life.”

Ashley confirmed that Cindel did not have life insurance, and her two daughters are now being cared for by extended family. The GoFundMe campaign seeks to raise $20,000 to cover funeral expenses and help provide a secure future for her children. So far, the campaign has raised $3,041.

 

A Plea for Compassion

Both families have stressed that their loved ones should be remembered for their kindness, resilience, and the love they shared — not solely by the tragic circumstances surrounding their deaths.

“We believe in the power of community,” Ashley expressed. “And we hope you will stand with us in this difficult time.”

These heartbreaking losses have not only left two families shattered but have also brought to light urgent concerns about domestic violence, emotional manipulation, and the hidden struggles that often go unseen behind closed doors.

For those who wish to offer support, both GoFundMe campaigns remain open. Donations, prayers, and words of encouragement are profoundly appreciated as these families embark on the long and difficult journey toward healing.