JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Tashina Renee Dobbins, the woman involved in a shoplifting case that led to the tragic death of Jacksonville store owner Ilson Miriam Kim, is back in custody after skipping her sentencing more than a month ago.
The 40-year-old was arrested on May 6 and charged with failure to appear in court while on bail for a felony, according to the Duval County Clerk of Courts. Her original charge was felony petty theft, stemming from the Dec. 6, 2023 incident at the Beauty Max store on Atlantic Boulevard.
Dobbins pleaded guilty on Feb. 26, and was released on her own recognizance. A judge granted her freedom without a GPS monitor ahead of her March 31 sentencing, but she failed to appear, prompting a warrant for her arrest.
Fatal Incident Tied to Shoplifting
Dobbins was the first arrest connected to the fatal incident where 64-year-old Ilson Miriam Kim was run over and killed by a fleeing getaway driver while trying to stop a theft at her beauty supply store.
Surveillance video shows Dobbins entering the store with a man, later identified as David Frederick Pulliam Jr., who allegedly stole nearly $300 in merchandise. While Dobbins did not take anything herself, police determined she acted in concert with Pulliam.
After Pulliam ran out, Kim chased him, only to be struck by a vehicle as it backed out of a handicap spot and fled the scene—leaving Dobbins behind. Footage shows Dobbins walking past Kim’s body and later being picked up by the vehicle at a nearby Walmart.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Despite pleading guilty in an open plea (with no sentence deal), Dobbins’ failure to appear may now result in a harsher sentence. She faces up to five years in prison for the felony charge, and skipping court likely won’t help her case.
Meanwhile, Pulliam, 29, remains in custody on charges of misdemeanor petty theft and resisting arrest. His bond is set at $100,000, and he has pleaded not guilty.
Investigation Continues
Jacksonville authorities believe three people were involved in the crime, including the unidentified getaway driver. Sgt. Steve Rudlaff previously confirmed the car was already running when Kim was struck.
Dobbins was re-arrested in the 2100 block of Moncrief Road. Her updated arrest report includes no new details, but her case will now resume with the added failure-to-appear charge.
