A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the mass shooting of an Alabama Sweet 16 that killed four and injured 28.
Wilson LaMar Hill Jr., 20, joins brothers Ty Reik McCullough, 17, and Travis McCullough, 16, behind bars on reckless murder charges after they allegedly opened fire at a celebration in Dadeville on April 15.
Hill was arrested on Wednesday, a day after the two brothers. All three were charged as adults and held without bail.
Birthday girl Alexis Dowdell was celebrating with her friends and family at the Mahogany Masterpiece Dance Studio around 10:30 p.m. when the tragedy struck that led to the death of her high school football star brother, Philstavious Dowdell, 18.
The three other victims were identified as Corbin Dahmontrey Holston, 23, Shaunkivia Nicole Smith, 17, and Marsiah Emmanuel Collins, 19.
Wilson LaMar Hill Jr., 20, was arrested Wednesday in connection with the April 15 Alabama Sweet 16 massacre
Brothers Ty Reik McCullough, 17, and Travis McCullough, 16, were also arrested for allegedly carrying out Tuesday night’s shooting
Alabama District Attorney for the Fifth Circuit Mike Segrest said there were four victims remaining in critical condition in the hospital, saying, “This is just the tip of the iceberg. We will ensure that each of these sacrifices is justified and not just the deceased.”
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Sgt. Jeremy Burkett said, “Make no mistake, this is Alabama and if you pull out a gun and start shooting at people, we’re going to put you in jail.”
The shooting at the North Broadnax Street dance studio also resulted in Philstavious’ mother also being injured.
No high-powered rifle ammunition was recovered from the scene, but special agents found numerous handgun casings.
Russell County District Attorney Kenneth Davis previously spoke about another reckless murder charge, stating, “In the case law it’s sometimes referred to as a corrupt heart.
“It means you committed an act so reckless that it endangers everyone, not just one specific person, but everyone.”
Both teenagers were charged with four Class A felonies, meaning they could face life imprisonment for at least 10 years.
Philstavious received a full scholarship to Jacksonville State last February and was due to graduate in a few weeks.
High school football star Philstavious Dowdell, 18, (pictured) was one of the victims and had been celebrating his sister Alexis’ birthday on Saturday night
19-year-old Marsiah Emmanuel “Siah” Collins (left) and 23-year-old Corbin Dahmontrey Holston (right) were both killed in the shooting
A fourth victim, also a local high school senior, has been identified as Keke Smith. The teenagers all had plans to go to college in the fall
The Sweet 16 was for Philstavious’ younger sister Alexis (pictured), whose birthday party was cut short by the rage of gunfire
Dowdell, a senior who was due to graduate in a few weeks, had been celebrating the birthday of his sister Alexis (on the victim’s left).
At first, investigators said they had no suspects, but made the double arrest just days later.
Investigators have been following up “strong leads” in the shooting, Dadeville Police Chief Jonathan Floyd said earlier this week.
After days with no significant response from authorities, Alexis and Philstavious’ mother LaTonya Allen – who was shot twice in the attack – is anxiously awaiting news.
She told CNN, “I just want justice for my baby and all the other kids that were involved in this.
“You took a piece of my heart away and I know the other mums and dads feel the same way.”
According to the Gun Violence Archive, the attack was one of more than 160 mass shootings that have taken place across the United States this year.