An Alabama man now faces a murder charge following a deadly bonfire shooting that killed 18-year-old high school cheerleader Kimber Mills and injured three others. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said 27-year-old Steven Tyler Whitehead opened fire shortly after midnight on Oct. 19 at a gathering in Pinson, Alabama, known locally as The Pit.
Authorities said Whitehead arrived at around 12:24 a.m. and began shooting after a verbal and physical fight broke out. He was initially charged with three counts of attempted murder, but prosecutors upgraded the charges after Mills died from her injuries. Mills was a senior at Cleveland High School, where she ran track and served as a cheerleader.
Her sister, Ashley Mills, confirmed her death on Facebook, writing, “Our sweet baby sister went to be with the Lord at 7:08 p.m. last night! She was and is so loved by so many. We will miss you Kimber!” Court documents cited by WBRC said Whitehead allegedly told the victim, “B—-, you are next,” moments before the shooting.
During a court hearing, Whitehead’s attorneys argued that there was no probable cause for the murder charge, claiming he fired in self-defense while trying to leave the party. Witness Silas McCay told WBRC that a fight started when Whitehead was accused of inappropriate behavior toward Mills, saying, “My buddy and I found him, and we started fighting him… that’s when he pulled his gun out and started shooting.”
Mills’ organs were donated following an honor walk Tuesday. Her heart went to a 7-year-old child, according to WVTM. Friends described her as “a bright light in so many lives.”
