Left: Steven Tyler Whitehead (Jefferson County Sheriff”s Office). Right: Kimber Mills (GoFundMe).
A 27-year-old man from Alabama faces murder charges in connection with a shooting at a bonfire gathering, resulting in the death of a high school cheerleader and injuries to three others. The incident took place in a secluded area referred to as “The Pit.”
Steven Tyler Whitehead is currently in custody following the shooting of 18-year-old Kimber Mills early Sunday morning. According to a press release from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded shortly after midnight to reports of gunfire on the 7900 block of State Highway 75 North in Pinson, near Birmingham. Upon arrival, they discovered Mills and two men, aged 18 and 21, suffering from gunshot wounds. It was later revealed that a 20-year-old woman was also injured and had been taken to the hospital by a friend.
Authorities informed AL.com that a dispute over a girl escalated into gunfire. While Mills remains alive, her family is preparing for the likelihood of her being declared dead soon, as reported by the newspaper.
“She has suffered extensive brain trauma,” her sister shared with the media outlet.
If Mills survives, she would require lifelong support through breathing and feeding tubes.
“There is no surgical option that would allow her a meaningful life,” her sister expressed.
Mills was a senior cheerleader at Cleveland High School. Her classmates have had several prayer vigils on her behalf.
Classmate Cohen Dawson told local NBC affiliate WVTM that Mills was known for her positive attitude.
“You can just start up a conversation with her, no matter what. It was always just a delight to talk to her,” he told the TV station.
She also would help out fellow students in need.
“She’s the type of person to, if you run out of money and you don’t have enough, she’ll definitely give you money,” her friend Kyle Torbert told WVTM. “If you don’t have something, she’ll give you something. She’s just the type of person to — if you’re sad, she’ll give you the love that you need. If you need a hug, she’ll give you a hug.”
The senior class at the school started a GoFundMe to raise money for her and her family.
Cops have not released more details about the incident but said additional charges are pending. Whitehead is at the Jefferson County Jail without bond.
