Alabama Cheerleader Left Brain Dead After Bonfire Shooting Stemming From Fight Over Girl, Police Say
PINSON, ALABAMA — A rural Alabama bonfire turned into tragedy over the weekend when an argument over a girl led to a deadly shooting that left 18-year-old high school cheerleader Kimber Mills brain dead and three others wounded, police said.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office arrested 27-year-old Steven Tyler Whitehead in connection with the early Sunday morning shooting in the 7900 block of State Highway 75 North, an area locals call “The Pit.”
Deputies responded just after midnight to find Mills and two men — ages 18 and 21 — suffering from gunshot wounds. A fourth victim, a 20-year-old woman, was also shot and taken to the hospital by friends.
Fight Over Girl Sparked the Shooting, Deputies Say
According to investigators and reports from AL.com, the shooting began when a fight broke out over a girl during the outdoor gathering. Witnesses told police that tensions escalated quickly before shots rang out, sending partygoers fleeing from the scene.
Whitehead was taken into custody shortly after the incident and charged with murder and multiple counts of assault.
Authorities said Mills’ injuries were catastrophic, leaving her on life support.
“She has too much trauma to her brain,” her sister told reporters. “There is no surgery that would give her a life worth living.”
The family now expects she will be declared dead in the coming days.
Community Heartbroken Over Teen’s Condition
Mills, a senior at Cleveland High School, was known for her kindness, positivity, and compassion toward classmates. Friends and teachers have gathered for prayer vigils and launched a GoFundMe to support her family.
“She’s the type of person who would give you money if you ran out, or a hug if you were sad,” friend Kyle Torbert told WVTM. “If you didn’t have something, she’d find a way to help.”
Another classmate, Cohen Dawson, described her as the kind of person “who could light up any room” and “was always a delight to talk to.”
Suspect in Custody as Investigation Continues
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Whitehead remains in custody as detectives continue to process the scene and interview witnesses.
Officials have not yet released details on what led to the argument or how the suspect obtained the weapon.
As of Monday, Mills remained on life support surrounded by loved ones, with her family calling her condition “beyond recovery.”
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