At least 89 shots fired at deadly Sweet 16 birthday bash in Alabama

Not less than 89 photographs have been fired through the taking pictures at an Alabama Candy Sixteen social gathering that left 4 individuals useless and dozens extra wounded, an investigator revealed Tuesday.

Particular agent Jess Thornton recounted the horrifying scene throughout a court docket listening to to find out if the three adults charged within the brazen April 15 carnage must be held in jail with out bail.

Thornton testified 89 bullet casings have been discovered on the birthday celebration – filled with 50 to 60 individuals – that passed off at a dance studio simply off the city sq. in Dadeville earlier this month.

“A number of shell casings,” he mentioned in court docket. “Blood all over the place.”

He added the crime scene was one thing he’s by no means seen in his 18 years with the Alabama Legislation Enforcement Company.

Thornton mentioned at the least seven weapons have been tied to the taking pictures, WBMA reported.

Not less than one of many handguns have been altered for speedy firing, he mentioned.

“Witnesses mentioned it appeared like a machine gun,” Thornton mentioned.

The three adults charged within the killings are Wilson LaMar Hill Jr., 20, of Auburn; Johnny Letron Brown, 20, of Tuskegee; and Willie George Brown Jr., 19, additionally of Auburn.

A motive has not been revealed by authorities, however an legal professional for Willie Brown received Thornton to acknowledge that some statements alleged one of many slain partygoers, Corbin Holston, began the taking pictures.

Thornton testified that Holston was discovered with a 40-caliber gun sitting on his chest.

However he famous the place of the gun, which was fired, appears “virtually prefer it was positioned there.”

Earlier than the taking pictures, an announcement blared telling individuals with weapons to go away the venue when a speaker fell over and an individual lifted their shirt to flash a gun, Thornton mentioned.

He didn’t say if that individual was one of many defendants.

The decide didn’t difficulty an instantaneous ruling Tuesday.

All of the defendants have been charged with reckless homicide.

Thornton mentioned they’re all kin or buddies and whereas not invited to the social gathering, traveled from different elements of the state to attend.

Separate hearings have been held for juvenile suspects Travis McCullough, 16, of Tuskegee, and Tyreese McCullough, 17, of Tuskegee, WBMA reported. 

A sixth suspect, 15, has not been publicly recognized. 

The 4 victims fatally shot have been Dadeville Excessive College seniors Phil Dowdell, 18, and Shaunkivia Nicole “KeKe” Smith, 17, in addition to 19-year-old Marsiah Emmanuel “Siah” Collins and Holston, who was 23.