Yesterday afternoon, UCSO detectives obtained a warrant for the arrest of 29-year-old Shawn Adkins of Hinton, WV for the offense of Conspiracy to Commit Murder. Adkins is the fourth suspect that has been criminally charged during the ongoing homicide investigation of Ms. Alison “Ali” Thomas. Alison Thomas was reported missing on 02/17/2023 and was later found deceased in the mountains of Jackson County, NC.

Once the arrest warrant was issued for Adkins, the UCSO worked with the United States Marshals Service, specifically the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force and the South West Virginia District, and Adkins was arrested by the U.S. Marshals in the Hinton, WV area. Adkins is in custody and awaiting extradition back to NC at this time.

Although there have been multiple arrests, UCSO detectives are continuing their investigation and encourage anyone with information to contact our office at one or more of the methods below. The UCSO would like to thank the United States Marshals Service for their assistance in locating and arresting Adkins as part of this investigation.

UCSO Contact Methods:

UCSO Main Office: (704)283-3789
Union County Crime Stoppers: (704)283-5600
UCSO Smartphone Application (download links below):

Sheriff’s App Download Links
- Android Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ocvapps.a845
- Apple/iOS Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/union-county-sheriff-nc/id1660816160

UCSO Point of Contact for this Press Release is Lt. James Maye at (704)506-6843