Woman murdered in north Alabama had an ‘amazing Spirit and a beautiful personality’

A woman who was shot to death Tuesday in DeKalb County is being remembered by family members as a caring mother of two.

The family of Kristy Gladden, of Collinsville, is attempting to raise money for her funeral through a GoFundMe page.

“Kristy had an amazing Spirit and a beautiful personality. She was kind, caring, and always was willing to help those in need,” said cousin Jason Gladden on the page. “No one deserves to leave the world this way.”

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said James Michael Howard Jr., 27, of Valley Head, has been charged with murder and public intoxication in connection with Gladden’s death.

According to Welden, deputies and police from Collinsville and Crossville responded to an address on County Road 221 Tuesday on reports of an unconscious woman.

Gladden was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound.

Welden said Howard was spotted in the area by neighbors of the victim a short time after law enforcement arrived on scene. After an interview, investigators determined Howard was at the victim’s residence earlier.

Howard was booked into the Dekalb County Detention Center and is being held without bond.

A friend, Erica Barnett, said on social media that Gladden was “always here for me when I needed someone the most.”