By Carol Robinson | Speakin’ Out News
A Jefferson County judge on Friday set bond for Steven Tyler Whitehead, the 27-year-old man charged in the deadly shooting that claimed the life of 18-year-old Kimber Mills, a beloved Cleveland High School cheerleader.
Mills died Tuesday after being shot at a weekend bonfire gathering known as The Pit in eastern Jefferson County. Three others—Silas McCay, 21; Levi Sanders, 18; and Raelen Norris, 20—were also wounded, along with a juvenile who was grazed by gunfire.
Whitehead, a National Guardsman, was originally charged with four counts of attempted murder. One charge was upgraded to murder following Mills’ death.
At an Aniah’s Law hearing Friday, Judge Kandice Pickett set Whitehead’s bond at $150,000 for the murder charge, bringing his total bond to $330,000. If released, he must wear an electronic monitor, remain in Alabama, and have no contact with victims or their families.
Detective Testifies to Timeline
Sheriff’s Detective Jonathan McKinney testified that the shooting occurred around 12:20 a.m. Sunday after an altercation broke out between Whitehead and several partygoers.
McKinney said a young woman told investigators Whitehead had made inappropriate remarks to her and offered her open beers, which she declined. When others confronted him about his behavior, a fight erupted.
Video shown in court depicted Whitehead being struck while on the ground before pulling a handgun from his waistband and firing 13 shots into the crowd. Mills, who appeared to be trying to break up the fight, was struck in the head and leg.
Prosecution and Defense
Prosecutor Lauren Breland argued Whitehead brought a gun to a fistfight and showed no remorse, calling him a danger to the community. Defense attorney Lauren Presley countered that he acted in self-defense after being attacked by multiple people.
Whitehead was apprehended nine hours later in Tuscaloosa County.
Remembering Kimber Mills
Mills, a senior cheerleader and track athlete, dreamed of becoming a nurse at the University of Alabama. Before her death, she participated in an Honor Walk at UAB Hospital, donating her organs to help others.
“She was helping someone, even at the end,” said her sister, Ashley Mills. “She had a little spunk to her step.”
Funeral services will be held Sunday at Cleveland First Baptist Church.