An Alabama woman who killed a mother of two in a hit-and-run will spend the rest of her life behind bars.
St. Clair County Circuit Court Judge Phil Seay handed Shawna Alyssa Masten, 31, to life in prison for the death of 46-year-old Rebekah Poe. Masten pleaded guilty to one felony count of murder and fourteen other felony charges.
On the evening of Nov. 20, 2022, Masten and a 31-year-old co-defendant, Christopher Cody Masters, had been breaking into vehicles in the residential parking lot of Skyline Trail when Poe accosted the duo. In an effort to confront them, the victim was run over in the presence of her husband and daughter.
Witnesses told police the two suspects were driving a Black Dodge Charger as they sped towards Stemley Bridge Road, according to AL.com. During the investigation, authorities analyzed thousands of digital devices and phone records from communication companies. As a result, they could place both Masten and Masters at the scene of the crime.
Soon, authorities discovered the defendants had fled out of state to avoid capture. In addition, both Masten and Masters were recently released from prison for prior felony convictions a few months before the fatal incident. Later, Masten was arrested and extradited from Colorado to stand trial at St. Claire County. Meanwhile, Masters is still awaiting trial.
At the time of her demise, Poe was an employee of Waffle House and a dedicated church member.
"I have lost my wife, my best friend, and my soulmate. My girls have lost their mother, their best friend, and their mentor. She lived every day to serve the Lord by ministering to others before herself. She was an irreplaceable friend to her family and to every person she came into contact with. Her kindness and beautiful smile made people feel they were valued and important regardless of who they were,” stated the victim’s husband, Scotty Poe, reported ABC 3340.
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