Alabama Gunman Kills High School Cheerleader, Wounds Defender at Bonfire

Kimber Mills, an 18-year-old high school cheerleader and track athlete from Cleveland High School, was fatally shot during a bonfire gathering in a wooded area known as "The Pit" in Pinson, Alabama. The shooting occurred following a verbal and physical altercation involving 27-year-old Steven Tyler Whitehead, who opened fire, injuring four people, including Mills and a man named Silas McCay, who was shot ten times while trying to protect his friends. Mills was critically wounded, taken to the hospital, and died after being taken off life support. Whitehead was initially charged with three counts of attempted murder, which were later upgraded to include murder; he is being held without bond. Mills' family and community have mourned her loss, with her sister sharing tributes and a GoFundMe campaign raising significant support. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, highlighting the tragic consequences of the confrontation that led to the shooting.