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Online Dating Gone Wrong: A Shooting in Alabama

Madison County, USAFriday, January 16, 2026
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In a shocking turn of events, an Alabama man is in hot water after a violent encounter with two men he met on a dating app.

Kerstin Matkins, 33, is accused of shooting the two men after they met up at Harvest Nature Preserve. The incident, which happened last November, was captured on police dashcam video, showing the frantic moments as the victims' SUV sped away from the scene.

The Encounter Turns Violent

The two men in the SUV had realized that Matkins was not the person they had been talking to online. They claimed that Matkins had been stalking them for some time, even showing up at their door wearing a mask.

Things escalated quickly when the men confronted Matkins and struck his back window with a baseball bat. That's when Matkins allegedly started shooting.

Self-Defense or Excessive Force?

The defense argues that Matkins was acting in self-defense. However, the prosecutor pointed out that Matkins fired multiple shots as the SUV was driving away, which doesn't exactly scream self-defense.

The judge agreed and decided to send the case to a grand jury, as the number of shots fired raised serious questions about the claim of self-defense.

A Stark Reminder of Online Dating Dangers

This case highlights the dangers of online dating and the importance of taking precautions when meeting someone new. It's a stark reminder that not everyone is who they claim to be online, and it's crucial to prioritize safety above all else.

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