PINSON, AL — What began as a typical Saturday night gathering in Pinson, Alabama ended in tragedy just after midnight when gunfire erupted, leaving four young people shot and a 27-year-old man behind bars, now charged with murder.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the 7900 block of Highway 75 North at approximately 12:24 a.m. Sunday morning, following reports of multiple people shot. When they arrived, they found a chaotic scene.
Three victims—a 21-year-old man, an 18-year-old man, and an 18-year-old woman—were suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Emergency crews from Palmerdale, Center Point, and Trussville Fire & Rescue responded quickly and began treating the wounded at the scene before rushing them to nearby hospitals.
While deputies were still securing the area, they received word that a fourth victim, a 20-year-old woman, had already been taken to a hospital in a private vehicle. Her condition remains unknown at this time.
Among the injured was Kimber Mills, a senior cheerleader at Cleveland High School, known in the community for her bright personality and school spirit. As news of her involvement spread, it sent waves of concern and sorrow throughout the Cleveland and Pinson communities.
A Gathering Turns Violent
Preliminary investigations suggest that what started as a verbal disagreement quickly escalated into a physical altercation, eventually ending in gunfire. Authorities have not disclosed the nature of the conflict, nor the relationship between the victims and the suspect.
The suspect, Steven Tyler Whitehead, 27, was taken into custody a short time after the shooting. He has been charged with murder and is currently being held at the Jefferson County Jail without bond. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that additional charges are likely as the investigation progresses.
Officials have not yet stated how many times the victims were shot or whether multiple weapons were involved. Detectives continue to gather statements, review potential surveillance footage, and piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
A Community in Shock
As daylight broke over Pinson on Sunday morning, residents woke to the grim news. For many, the shock was amplified by the involvement of teenagers and young adults—lives that, just hours earlier, were filled with laughter and the anticipation of weekend plans.
Cleveland High School is offering support services for students and faculty members shaken by the incident. Though her current condition remains unconfirmed by officials, community members have flooded social media with well wishes and calls for prayer for Kimber Mills and the other victims.
“We are heartbroken,” one Cleveland student wrote on Instagram. “Kimber is the kind of person who lights up every room she walks into. We’re all praying she pulls through.”
Investigation Ongoing
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation. At this stage, authorities are asking anyone with information—whether they witnessed the altercation, heard gunfire, or have relevant video footage—to come forward.
Tips can be submitted by calling the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 205-325-1450, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
What Happens Next
The suspect, Steven Tyler Whitehead, is expected to appear before a judge in the coming days. In the meantime, authorities will continue to interview witnesses, examine evidence, and determine what led to a night of senseless violence.
As the victims fight for their lives and families wait by hospital beds, the Pinson community is left searching for answers—and holding onto hope.
This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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