The bond release of a man accused of murdering an Alabama high school cheerleader and shooting three others has ignited public concern and renewed scrutiny of violent crime and pretrial decisions. Steven Tyler Whitehead, charged with murder in the death of 18-year-old Kimber Mills, walked out of the Jefferson County Jail this week after a judge set bond at $330,000.
Whitehead bonded out Thursday and must wear an electronic monitoring device, according to WBRC. Prosecutors allege Whitehead opened fire during a late-night bonfire gathering in October 2025 in a wooded area near Highway 75 North and Clay-Palmerdale Road in Pinson, Alabama. Authorities said the incident began with a confrontation shortly after midnight before escalating into gunfire.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said Whitehead fired multiple rounds, killing Mills and wounding three others. One of the victims, 21-year-old Silas McCay, told WBRC he was shot 10 times while trying to protect friends. “I look at her like a little sister to me,” McCay said. “I tried everything I could. I wish there was more I could’ve done.”
Mills was rushed to UAB Hospital in Birmingham after being shot in the head and leg, according to Trussville Police Chief Eric Rush. Her sister, Ashley Mills, later confirmed her death following an honor walk. “Our sweet baby sister went to be with the Lord at 7:08 p.m. last night,” she wrote. “She was and is so loved by so many.”
After learning of the bond release, Ashley Mills expressed fear and frustration. “Justice for Kimber! That’s all we want,” she wrote. “That’s just more anxiety for me knowing he’s out.”
