Two teens have been arrested and charged with murder after a shooting at a girl’s 16th birthday party in Alabama left four dead and 32 injured.
The suspects, Ty Reik McCullough, 17, and Travis McCullough, 16, have been charged with four counts of reckless murder, a state police spokesman said.
District Attorney Mike Segrest said the couple will be charged as adults and prosecutors will ask a judge to hold them without bond.
Dance studio for birthday parties.Photo: Associated Press
Four people remain in hospital in critical condition and will face more charges, he said.
“We will ensure that all of these victims receive justice, not just the dead,” he added.
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Those ones was killed at a party last saturday In Dardville, high school football star Philstavious “Phil” Dowdell, an 18-year-old wide receiver, plans to play college football.
The shooting happened at his sister Alexis Dowdell’s birthday party, which was held at a dance studio. Mr. Doyle died in her arms.
Witnesses said several people started shooting after their mother stopped the gathering and asked the gunmen to leave.
In addition to Mr. Dowdell, who just signed with Jacksonville State University, those killed included Dadeville High senior classmate Shaunkivia Nicole “KeKe” Smith, 17; 2022 Opelika High School graduate Marsiah Emmanuel “Siah” Collins, 19; and Corbin Dahmontrey Holston, 23, a 2018 Dardewell High School graduate.
Alabama law enforcement agencies said only pistol casings were found and there was no evidence a high-powered rifle was used.
Community members hug each other during a vigil the day after the shooting
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“We cannot determine a motive at this time as that will be part of the ongoing investigation. We cannot disclose,” said Sergeant Jeremy J Burkett.
“Make no mistake. This is Alabama, and when you pull out your gun and start shooting people, we put you in jail. We’re tired of seeing mothers and having to tell them these kids aren’t coming home.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alabama had the fifth-highest gun death rate in the nation in 2020.