Slain McCalla teen's stepfather remembers her as 'a very kind soul'

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - The stepfather of an 18-year-old who was shot in Lipscomb Wednesday night described her as "a very kind soul."

"She saw the good in everyone," Rick Curb said about his stepdaughter Ashlynn Sparks, who was pronounced dead at UAB hospital on Thursday morning.

The Jefferson County Coroner's office confirms Sparks was shot around 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7 in Lipscomb on Circle Avenue.

She was in a car with her boyfriend at the time. They were driving to the hospital when Bessemer police said they stopped at the Kangaroo Express on 14th Street in Bessemer and called for help.

The boyfriend, who has not been identified, was also shot. Lipscomb police are investigating the case.

Sparks was home schooled, but had previously attended McAdory High School.

McAdory principal Tod Humphries said several students who knew her were provided counseling Thursday at the high school.

Curb and his wife, April, Ashlynn's mother, posted several photos and remembrances of the 18-year-old on their Facebook pages.

"She was about caring for people the way they should be cared for," Curb said.

He said her organs are being donated.

Curb described their home as a blended family that was "full of love."

Curb said he and his wife have always taught their kids "you treat people the way they should be treated."

Efforts to contact Lipscomb Police Chief Steve Carey about additional details of the shooting have not been successful.

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