Two teenage brothers have been arrested for a shooting that occurred at a Sweet 16 party in Dadeville, Alabama.
The shooting resulted in the death of four people and injured 32 others. Travis McCullough, 16, and Ty Reik McCullough, 17, were charged with reckless murder and taken into custody on Tuesday night.
The FBI spokesperson confirmed that the suspects were brothers and charged as adults, but no details were given on the motive or weapons used in the shooting.
The shooting occurred at a dance studio in Dadeville, where friends and family were celebrating a 16-year-old girl’s birthday. Gunfire erupted around 10:34 p.m. on Saturday.
Four people were killed, and they were identified as Shaunkivia Smith, 17; Marsiah Collins, 19; Corbin Holston, 23; and Philstavious Dowdell, 18. Four people remained hospitalized, with critical injuries as of Wednesday.
District Attorney Mike Segrest struggled to maintain his composure as he spoke about the victims of the shooting.
He was particularly moved by the case of Alexis Dowdell, whose brother was one of the victims. Segrest said, “There’s an uncut cake and unburnt 16 candles that never got lit. Lexi’s brother was one of the victims.
At her 16th birthday party, she knelt by her brother as he took his last breath. That’s what we’re dealing with.” Segrest added that he knew the parents of several of the victims and that “these are our kids.”
Dadeville Police Chief Jonathan Floyd pleaded for the public’s help and patience as the investigation is still in its early stages.
He urged party guests who have yet to speak to investigators to come forward, saying they need their help for the families of the victims.
He also stressed the need for patience, saying that the investigation is complicated and cannot be rushed.
It is unclear when the suspects will appear in court or if they have hired defense attorneys.
The older brother plays on Booker T. Washington High School’s football team and would be a senior in the upcoming fall.
Coach Lawrence O’Neal said the player had a good junior season and was drawing attention from Division II and junior college programs.
He asked the public to withhold judgment until more evidence is revealed, saying, “The picture that’s being painted, it might not be the picture that comes out in the end.”
Aiva Arthur
