UPDATE: Authorities have charged 27-year-old Steven Tyler Whitehead with murder following a tragic shooting that critically injured Kimber Mills, a senior cheerleader at Cleveland High School, during a party in Jefferson County early Sunday morning, October 18, 2025. The incident unfolded at a popular hangout known as The Pit, located near Alabama 75 and Clay-Palmerdale Road, igniting community outrage and calls for justice.
The shooting occurred at approximately 12:24 a.m., prompting multiple emergency responses from local fire and rescue teams. Trussville Police Chief Eric Rush reported that officers found Mills in critical condition and immediately initiated CPR before she was rushed to UAB Hospital. Witnesses confirmed that several other individuals were also shot during the gathering, heightening fears about safety in the area.
Social media has erupted with pleas for prayers and support for Mills, with her high school community expressing deep concern. In a heartfelt message on Facebook, the Cleveland Panther Football team stated, “We’re asking our community to come together in prayer for Kimber and her family.”
Although details surrounding the other victims remain scarce, at least three individuals were confirmed injured, with a 20-year-old female transported to a hospital separately. Authorities have not disclosed whether any fatalities resulted from the shooting, but Mills is currently reported to be in critical condition.
As of now, Whitehead is being held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail. The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation, as officials continue to gather evidence and conduct interviews.
Community leaders are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward, emphasizing the need for safety in local neighborhoods. As the investigation progresses, residents are left grappling with the implications of this violence, which has no place in their community.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story. The impact of this shooting resonates deeply within the community, sparking conversations about youth safety and violence prevention in social settings.
