Investigation remains active

A warrant for murder, a felony of the first-degree, has been issued for the arrest of Belinda S. Adkins, 41, of 143 Township Road 279E, South Point. The suspect is being sought in connection with the shooting death of Mr. Jones that occurred in the South Point McDonald’s parking lot Wednesday afternoon.

Adkins fled the scene immediately following the shooting in what Lawrence County Sheriff’s detectives discovered was a 2008 white Chevy Malibu. The suspect has not yet been apprehended, and law enforcement officers from around the Tri-State have searched numerous areas and are continuing to follow up on all leads.

The investigation has shown that both subjects had planned to meet at the South Point McDonald’s parking lot, located at 295 County Road 406, South Point, with Mr. Jones assuming Adkins would exchange their daughter, whom he was to assume custody of. Adkins did not bring their daughter with her, and instead left the daughter with relatives.

Lawrence County Sheriff Jeff Lawless said that the investigation remains very active, and Montgomery County will perform Jones’ autopsy, which is pending.

Adkins is a white female, 5’4″ tall and weighs about 175 lbs. with black hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Belinda Adkins is urged to contact the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office at 740-532-3525.

Lawless thanked the following agencies for their hard work and assistance with the incident: Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Huntington Police Department, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, West Virginia State Police, BCI&I, Lawrence County EMS, U.S. Marshals and the Lawrence County Drug and Major Crimes Task Force. In addition, Lawless thanked South Point McDonald’s owner Steve Cielec and his employees for their kindness and assistance, as well as the numerous citizens who provided vital information.