Alabama police announced yesterday that two teenage brothers have been apprehended and charged with murder in connection with a shooting that killed four teenagers at a "sweet 16" birthday party.
Mike Segrest, district attorney of Tallapoosa County, stated that Ty Reik McCullough (17) and Travis McCullough (16), both of Tuskegee, would be tried as adults. In Alabama, this is required for anyone 16 or older accused of murder.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Sgt. Jeremy J. Burkett refused to disclose where the two are being held or whether they were already in custody when charged late Tuesday night.
Sgt. Burkett added, "We are unable to comment on a possible motive at this time, as it would compromise the ongoing investigation." "We can't share that."
Authorities did not specify whether or not the two McCullough juveniles were related, but US media outlets reported last night that they were brothers.
Mr. Segrest stated that prosecutors would request their detention without bond. Under Alabama law, a bond hearing must occur by Friday. According to online court records, there are no previous adult charges in state court for either of the arrested juveniles.
Dadeville, a town of 3,200 people located 45 minutes north of Tuskegee, was shaken by Saturday's violence.
Philstavious Dowdell, the 18-year-old sibling of the birthday girl from Camp Hill, died in his sister's arms. Both he and Shaunkivia Nicole Smith, also 17 and from Dadeville, were high school seniors. Families were forced to organize funerals rather than graduation parties.
Marsiah Emmanuel Collins (19) of Opelika and Corbin Dahmontrey Holston (23) of Dadeville was also slain.
Mr. Segrest reported that four of the 32 injured individuals are in critical condition. He stated that additional charges would be forthcoming.
Mr. Segrest, speaking to reporters from the steps of the Tallapoosa County courthouse, stated, "We will ensure that justice is served to every victim, not just the deceased."
The birthday celebration for Alexis Dowdell was held at a dance studio just off the town square. Multiple people began shooting, according to witnesses, after her mother halted the celebration and asked those with firearms to exit.
Mr. Segrest stated, "It's Lexi's sixteenth birthday party – sweet sixteen." "There is uncut cake and candles that were never ignited. Brother of Lexi was one of the victims.
On her 16th birthday, she knelt by her brother's bedside as he breathed his last.
A relative of one of the deceased girls expressed gratitude for the arrests. "It does not make the pain simpler. However, we are relieved that they are not out in the community," Amy Jackson said in a phone interview yesterday.
Phil Dowdell intended to play collegiate football at Jacksonville University. Nicole Smith was a talented runner who became a squad manager after a knee injury rendered her unable to compete. Marsiah Collins, a high school graduate of 2020, intended to begin college this year after taking a year off to pursue music. Corbin Holston graduated in 2018 and was a former athlete at the institution.
Mr. Segrest stated that adolescents from numerous nearby towns attended the celebration, thereby spreading trauma like a "wave" across the region.
"There were numerous children in attendance, and after witnessing what they did, they are now victims. Their families are the victims," he stated.
The district attorney stated that grand juries in Tallapoosa County typically convene in March and September, but he intends to recall jurors to pursue an indictment prior to September. Mr. Segrest stated, "If we can establish the facts and are prepared to present them, we will ask the grand jury to reconvene."
This was the first news conference held by the police since Sunday.
Police stated that only cartridge casings from handguns were discovered, noting no evidence of using a high-powered rifle. Mr. Burkett once more solicited information from attendees and the general public.
In 2020, Alabama had the fifth-highest gun death rate in the United States.
Mr. Burkett stated, "Someone needs to start thinking about mama because I'm tired of it, and so is everyone behind me."
We are weary of informing mothers that their children will not return home.
