A man accused of fatally shooting an 18-year-old cheerleader in Alabama is seeking to have the murder charges against him dismissed, arguing his actions were justified under the state's self-defense law. Steven Tyler Whitehead, 28, faces one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder in connection with a shooting that occurred on October 18, 2024, at a bonfire party in Pinson, a town approximately 15 miles from Birmingham.
Kimber Mills died after Whitehead allegedly fired multiple rounds into a crowd of 40 to 50 people shortly after midnight. Three other individuals sustained injuries in the incident. Authorities allege that Whitehead became involved in a verbal and physical altercation before producing a firearm and discharging it in a wooded area known as 'The Pit,' a common gathering spot for young adults.
Whitehead, a former National Guardsman, was released from Jefferson County Jail in January on a $330,000 bond and has been required to wear an ankle monitor. In July, his legal team filed a motion requesting the dismissal of charges, asserting that Whitehead's use of deadly force constituted self-defense under Alabama law. A hearing on this motion, initially scheduled for Thursday, has been rescheduled to December 7.
Silas McCay, 21, who was shot 10 times while attempting to protect others at the party, recounted the events leading to the shooting. He stated that the confrontation began when he and another man confronted Whitehead, who McCay claimed was attempting to interact with Mills. McCay told WBRC that after he and his friend subdued Whitehead, he produced a gun and began firing. McCay and Hunter McCullouch, 19, were later charged with third-degree assault in relation to the altercation preceding the shooting. Authorities have not indicated that either McCay or McCullouch discharged a weapon.
Mills was transported to UAB Hospital in Birmingham with critical injuries to her head and leg. Despite medical intervention, her injuries proved fatal. The shooting prompted an outpouring of grief in the community, with hundreds gathering at the hospital as her bed was moved. Mills, a cheerleader and track athlete, had planned to attend the University of Alabama and aspired to become a nurse. Her sister, Ashley Mills, described her as having "a little spunk to her step" and expressed her hope that Whitehead would "get what he deserves."
Ashley Mills also stated that her sister had no prior acquaintance with Whitehead and that he had been attempting to give Mills unwanted attention at the party. She voiced concern and anxiety following Whitehead's release on bond, stating, "That's just more anxiety for me knowing he's out. I'll stay home. Justice for Kimber! That's all we want."