Authorities in Dadeville, Alabama say they have arrested three persons, including two juveniles, on m*rder charges related to the m*rderous rampage at a Sweet 16 birthday celebration over the weekend.
According to a press statement from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, 20-year-old Wilson LaMar Hill Jr. of Auburn was arrested on Wednesday afternoon and charged with four charges of reckless m*rder. No one knows if Hill is represented by counsel.
Both Travis McCullough, 16, and his older brother Ty Reik McCullough, 17, of Tuskegee, Alabama, were taken into custody on Tuesday. Sgt. Jeremy Burkett of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said that they each face four counts of reckless m*rder.
Four people were kἰlled and at least 32 were injured, including at least 15 minors, in the incident on Saturday night. Fifth Circuit District Attorney Mike Segrest said that more charges would be filed due to the severity of the injuries and that both teens would be charged as adults.
Segrest said-
“We’ve still got four that are in the hospital, four that are in critical condition.This is just the tip of the iceberg.”
According to the Gun Violence Archive, at least 165 mass sh00tings occurred in the United States in the first four months of this year, with four or more people shot (not including the gunman). However, the motivation for the mass m*rder of the children remains unclear.
Burkett said-
“We can’t get into a motive right now.That would be part of an ongoing investigation. We can’t share that.”
Also unclear from the official statement is how the two suspects were linked to Alexis Dowdell’s Sweet 16 celebration. About 30 miles south of Dadeville is where they call home: Tuskegee.
According to eyewitnesses, the sh00ting occurred as the celebration was in full flow. The Tallapoosa County coroner confirmed the deaths of Marsiah Emmanuel Collins, 19, Shaunkivia “Keke” Nicole Smith, 17, and Corbin Dahmontrey Holston, 23. Her brother Philstavious “Phil” Dowdell, 18, was also among those lost.
The Mt. Lovely Baptist Church in Camp Hill, Alabama will have a candlelight vigil in Phil’s honor on Thursday at 6 p.m. CT.
I just want fair treatment for my child
The family of one of the victims was relieved to discover the first two suspects had been caught after four days of misery and uncertainty.
said LaShonda Allen-
“I’m happy that the investigation is going well and someone is going to be responsible for all the victims, the aunt of Alexis and Phil Dowdell.
She claimed no one in her immediate family had heard of the two juvenile suspects because they had not been invited to the party.
What should have been a night of celebration for LaTonya Allen’s sister on the occasion of her daughter’s 16th birthday was instead marred by the tragic loss of her 18-year-old son.
A month before he was about to graduate from high school, Phil was shot twice in the neck and kἰlled. He was excited to receive a football scholarship to Jacksonville State University.
Allen told CNN this week-
“I just want justice for my baby and all the other kids that were involved,” “They took away a piece of my heart, and I know the other mothers and fathers feel the same way.”
A total of 32 individuals were injured in addition to the four fatalities, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
A spokeswoman for the Dadeville Police Department reported earlier this week that at least 15 teenagers were shot and sent to the Lake Martin Community Hospital.
He died while trying to protect his sister from gunfire.
Alexis told CNN that she felt “butterflies in my stomach” the day of her Sweet 16 party despite having planned it for months.
As Alexis recalled, she went to her brother and sat on his bed to express her apprehension. Phil consoled her and promised she would have a good time.
Their mother learned hours later during the party that an armed guest was present. Over the loudspeaker, Allen issued an urgent announcement: “If anyone in here has a gun, then you need to leave because we are here to celebrate Alexis’ Sweet 16.”
The mother recalled that Allen and the other chaperones searched the crowd but didn’t find anyone armed. Alexis, her mom, and the DJ all claimed they didn’t hear any commotion or argument. The kids were dancing to a DJ’s music when suddenly shots rang out.
Alexis said-
“All I remember is my brother grabbing me and pushing me down to the ground,”
When she landed, it was in a pool of blood. Alexis woke up and followed her mother outdoors. However, Phil was not to be found. Mother and daughter returned to the safety of the house once the gunfire had subsided. They stated bodies of the injured and dying were all over the dance floor.
When the lights came on, Alexis and her mother saw something horrifying: Phil’s body was covered in blood. Alexis hurried up to her unresponsive older brother to give him comfort.
she told Phil-
“You’re going to make it. You’re strong. Don’t give up on me.”
Alexis claimed that by the time emergency services came, Phil was already gone. She went on to say that now Allen must face the pain that no mother should have to feel.
she said-
“It’s a nightmare that I don’t wish on any parent – to go in and to see my baby laying there in a pile of blood.That was the worst thing that I could experience in my life.”
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