Authorities in Alabama say a man died of a heart attack while allegedly trying to dispose of his girlfriend’s body after fatally strangling her in what investigators believe was a domestic violence case.
The case involves 44-year-old Daniel Robbins and 47-year-old Jessica Folds, who were found dead earlier this month in a wooded area near an abandoned vehicle in Lanett, Alabama, according to local officials. Chambers County deputies discovered the two bodies on the morning of June 10 after responding to the area.
Authorities said both bodies were sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for autopsies. Investigators later determined that Folds had been strangled and that Robbins died from a heart attack. Officials believe Robbins died while attempting to move or hide Folds’ body in a remote location.
District Attorney Mike Segrest said investigators found evidence suggesting Robbins had tried to dispose of Folds’ body before he died. According to officials cited in local reporting, a truck found near the scene was still running when deputies arrived, with the driver’s side door open and the tailgate down. Investigators also reportedly found drag marks leading into the wooded area where the two bodies were discovered.
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Segrest said the investigation by local and state authorities, combined with autopsy results, led officials to believe Folds was killed before Robbins died. He described the case as suspected domestic violence.
The circumstances are unusual, but officials say the underlying issue is tragically familiar. Domestic violence cases can escalate quickly and often involve victims who may have faced threats or abuse before a fatal incident. Authorities have not released every detail of the relationship between Robbins and Folds, and the case remains part of an official investigation.
Folds, who was from Lanett, was remembered by family as a mother of three adult sons. Her obituary described her as someone with a generous heart and a smile that touched the lives of people around her. Robbins, who was reportedly from Georgia, was also survived by family members.
Because both people involved are deceased, prosecutors are not expected to bring charges in the case. However, investigators may still continue reviewing evidence to complete the official record and confirm the timeline of events.
The case also highlights the broader danger of domestic violence in communities across the country. Many fatal incidents happen in private relationships and may not become public until after violence has already occurred. Advocates often urge people who feel unsafe in a relationship to contact local law enforcement, domestic violence hotlines or trusted support organizations before threats escalate.
For families and communities, the consequences are long-lasting. A suspected domestic violence death affects not only the victim, but also children, relatives, friends, neighbors and first responders who encounter the aftermath. In smaller communities, such cases can leave a deep emotional impact.
Some details remain unclear, including the exact timeline of the fatal incident, where Folds was killed, and what may have led to the violence. Authorities have said the evidence points to Robbins attempting to move her body when he suffered the fatal heart attack.
The investigation remains a reminder that domestic violence is not only a private family matter, but a public safety issue with serious consequences.
Why It Matters
The case underscores the deadly risk of domestic violence and the lasting impact it can have on families and communities. It also shows how investigators rely on forensic evidence, autopsy results and scene details to reconstruct what happened when both people involved are deceased.
What Comes Next
Authorities are expected to finalize the investigation and official findings. Since Robbins also died, the case is unlikely to proceed through a criminal trial, but officials may still release additional details about the timeline and evidence.
NEW: Murder suspect dies of a heart attack while dragging his girlfriend’s body through the woods in Alabama.
Daniel Robbins and Jessica Folds, a mother of three, were found dead in the woods of Lanett, Alabama.
Deputies say they found a drag path and Folds with her hands above… pic.twitter.com/v4HwJEsJJH
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 29, 2026
