Alabama Man Released on Bond After Fatal Shooting Incident

A man has been released on bond following accusations of shooting an Alabama high school cheerleader at a bonfire party, which resulted in the deaths of three others when one victim attempted to intervene.

Steven Tyler Whitehead faces charges of murder and attempted murder linked to the death of 18-year-old Kimber Mills and the injuries of three others. He was released from the Jefferson County Jail on Thursday after a judge set his bail at $330,000. As part of his release, Whitehead must wear an electronic monitoring device.

Mills, a senior at Cleveland High School, was fatally shot in October 2025 during a late-night bonfire in a wooded area known as “The Pit” near Highway 75 North and Clay Palmerdale Road in Pinson, Alabama.

Authorities reported that the gathering turned violent soon after Whitehead arrived just past midnight, engaging in verbal and physical confrontations before he brandished a gun and opened fire.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office stated that Whitehead fired multiple shots during the incident, hitting Mills and three others.

One victim, 21-year-old Cyrus McKay, recounted that he suffered ten gunshot wounds to various parts of his body while trying to shield his friends, including Mills. He shared, “She’s like a sister to me. I did everything I could. I wish I could have done more.”

He explained that the altercation began after he confronted Whitehead, who allegedly initiated contact with Mills prior to the violence erupting. “I was told that he was trying to harm Kimber,” McKay said. “When I found him, I engaged with him, and that’s when he pulled out a gun.”

Alongside McKay, another individual, Hunter McCullouch, 19, has been charged with third-degree assault related to the argument that sparked the shooting; neither man is accused of discharging the fatal shots. Tragically, McKay was among those killed.

Police reported that Mills was shot in the head and leg and was rushed to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries despite medical efforts.

Her sister, Ashley Mills, informed the public of Kimber’s passing via a heartfelt Facebook post after an emotional honor walk at the hospital, attended by hundreds. She wrote, “Our sweet little sister went to be with the Lord last night at 7:08 p.m. She was and is loved by many. We will miss you, Kimber.”

Ashley Mills also mentioned the family’s tough decision to implement a do-not-resuscitate order for Kimber due to the severe nature of her brain injuries, respecting Kimber’s wishes to become an organ donor. She added, “We don’t want to hurt her anymore to bring her back.”

Friends and family remember Mills as a vibrant young woman, a cheerleader, and a track athlete aspiring to study nursing at the University of Alabama in 2026. “She always lifted everyone up,” her sister remarked.

Before his own death, McKay visited Mills in the hospital despite being injured himself. He recalled a touching moment when she held his hand and expressed her love.

In response to news of Whitehead’s bond release, Ashley Mills took to Facebook to voice her concerns and frustrations, stating, “Justice for Kimber! That’s all we want. It’s even more disturbing to know he was out. I’m at home.” The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office did not provide further details on the bond decision.