Alabama shooting: 3 arrested for violence at birthday party
DADEVILLE, Ala. - Law enforcement officials have arrested two teenagers and a 20-year-old man in connection to the mass shooting during a Sweet 16 birthday party in eastern Alabama that killed four and injured more than 30 people.
Members of the press from all over the country gathered on the steps of the Tallapoosa County Courthouse nearly 84 hours after the shots were fired at the Mahogany Masterpiece dance studio, located just one block away. Investigators say 18-year-old Phil Dowdell, 23-year-old Corbin Holston, 19-year-old Marsiah Collins, and 17-year-old KeKe Smith were killed in the gunfire. Another 32 people were rushed to hospitals across the region for injuries ranging from minor to critical.
"This is Alabama and when you pull out a gun and you start shooting people, we're going to put you in jail," said Sgt. Jeremy Burkett. "We're tired of going to the mothers and having to tell them that these kids are not coming home."
Investigators say 18-year-old Phil Dowdell, 23-year-old Corbin Holston, 19-year-old Marsiah Collins, and 17-year-old KeKe Smith were killed in the gunfire.
Law enforcement say they arrested 17-year-old Ty Reik McCullough and 16-year-old Travis McCullough at around 8 p.m. Tuesday and charged them with four counts of reckless murder. More charges are expected.
Officials say they will charge both McCulloughs as adults and that prosecutors would ask a judge to hold them without bail. A bond hearing must be held by Friday under Alabama law.
"We’re going to make sure all those victims have justice, not just the deceased," District Attorney Mike Segrest said.
On Wednesday, the ALEA announced the arrest of 20-year-old Wilson Lamar Hill, of Auburn, on charges of reckless murder.
Authorities declined to share any information about possible motive, saying that it was part of an ongoing investigation.
The shootings Saturday night rocked the small town of Dadeville, about 80 miles southeast of Birmingham, and families suddenly found themselves planning memorials and burial services instead of graduation parties or college move-ins.
Dadeville mass shooting: Families stunned loved ones killed at birthday party
An Alabama community is gripped by grief after a shooting at a weekend birthday party claims the lives of four people including three teenagers. The family members of one of the victims say they are struggling to understand this senseless shooting.
WHO WERE THE VICTIMS KILLED IN THE DADEVILLE MASS SHOOTING?
Those from the small town watched as police announced the arrests Wednesday.
"I'm grateful that justice will be done and I'm glad they got somebody," said Natasha Jackson.
"I'm happy to hear that two of them have been arrested. It's still the fact that Phil and KeKe are not here," said AJ Coker.
Four people were killed and 32 others were injured in a mass shooting at a Sweet 16 birthday party in Dadeville, Alabama on April 15, 2023. (FOX 5)
Investigator revealed Monday evening that no high-powered rifle ammunition was found at the scene. They say all shell casings found were consistent with those used in handguns.
Law enforcement officials say they were still combing over the scene and interviewing potential witnesses to build a timeline of events on Monday.
A relative of one teen killed in the shooting told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the family, which has been briefed by officials, understands that the investigation is progressing.
"They are working very hard and are adamant about apprehending those who are responsible for the tragic event," said Amy Jackson, whose cousin KeKe Smith was among the dead.
A new command center was established on Tuesday behind a church, but it was not immediately clear if it was connected to the shooting. Dadeville Mayor Frank Goodman says he understands the frustration in the lack of information from investigators.
"They hadn’t told us nothing yet. They are not releasing anything," Goodman said when asked if an arrest was near. "It’s been frustrating for me especially when citizens come by and want to know what is happening."
Investigators are asking people to come forward with any videos or photos from the party. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said it has worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to establish a digital tip line for such submissions.
Dadeville Alabama on map
Meanwhile, the families of the four killed in the shooting are planning memorials and funerals as the public learns about their lives cut way too short.
Four people were killed and 32 others were injured in a mass shooting at a Sweet 16 birthday party in Dadeville, Alabama on April 15, 2023. (FOX 5)
ALEA has asked for anyone with information to call 800-392-8011 or email sbi.investigations@alea.gov.
Dadeville is located about 57 miles northeast of Montgomery, Alabama and 53 miles northwest of Columbus, Georgia.
This story is being reported out of Atlanta. The Associated Press contributed to this report