Jefferson County, October 20, 2025
News Summary
A shooting at a gathering in east Jefferson County has left a senior cheerleader critically injured and a 27-year-old man charged with murder. The incident occurred at ‘The Pit’ and involved multiple victims. The critically injured individual, identified as Kimber Mills, required immediate medical assistance following the shooting. Community members are rallying for support and prayers for the victims as the investigation continues.
Birmingham, Alabama – A 27-year-old man named Steven Tyler Whitehead has been charged with murder following a shooting incident that occurred early Sunday in east Jefferson County. The shooting, which left a senior cheerleader in critical condition, took place at a gathering known as “The Pit,” located near Alabama 75 and Clay-Palmerdale Road.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the shooting was precipitated by an altercation over a girl. The critically injured victim has been identified through social media posts as Kimber Mills, a senior cheerleader at Cleveland High School. Mills sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including one to her head and another to her leg, where officers had to apply a tourniquet.
The incident unfolded at approximately 12:24 a.m. as deputies arrived at the scene and discovered three other victims: two males aged 21 and 18, as well as an 18-year-old female. A fourth victim, a 20-year-old female, was transported to a hospital in a personal vehicle. The identities of these victims have not yet been released, nor have authorities provided details on their conditions.
As for Mills, her friend attempted to transport her to the hospital after she was shot. They flagged down a Trussville police officer on Gadsden Highway around 12:45 a.m., seeking urgent medical assistance. Officers at the scene provided CPR to Mills while waiting for medics to arrive, after which she was taken to UAB Hospital and remains in critical condition.
Community members, including local sports teams and residents, are rallying together, calling for prayers and support for Mills and her family. Whitehead, a resident of Brookwood, was booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 11:40 a.m. on Sunday and is being held without bond. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has not confirmed whether any of the victims have died.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with authorities indicating that they will release more information as it becomes available. Local community leaders have expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures at teen gatherings.
Key Details of the Incident
- Location: “The Pit,” near Alabama 75 and Clay-Palmerdale Road
- Time: Approximately 12:24 a.m., early Sunday
- Main Victim: Kimber Mills, senior cheerleader, in critical condition
- Suspect: Steven Tyler Whitehead, charged with murder
- Other Victims: Three additional victims (two males and one female) and a fourth transported by personal vehicle
- Current Status of Investigation: Ongoing, more details to be released
Community Response
In the wake of this tragic event, individuals and groups within the community are coming together for support. Sports teams and local organizations are advocating for prayers for Mills and her family as they cope with the impact of this incident.
Next Steps
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the case and encourages anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. They will provide updates as more information becomes available about the condition of the victims and additional details on the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in Jefferson County?
- A shooting occurred early Sunday during a teen gathering at “The Pit,” injuring several individuals, including a senior cheerleader in critical condition.
- Who is the suspect in this case?
- Steven Tyler Whitehead, a 27-year-old man, has been charged with murder in connection with the shooting.
- Who is the critically injured victim?
- The critically injured victim has been identified as Kimber Mills, a senior cheerleader at Cleveland High School.
- What is the condition of other victims?
- Authorities have not released information about the identities of the other victims or their current conditions.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Steven Tyler Whitehead, 27, charged with murder |
| Main Victim | Kimber Mills, senior cheerleader, critical condition |
| Location | The Pit, east Jefferson County |
| Time of Incident | Approximately 12:24 a.m. on Sunday |
| Additional Victims | Three other victims, identities not released |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Alabama High School Cheerleader Shot
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- 1819 News: Cheerleader Among Several Shot
- Google Search: Jefferson County shooting
- AL.com: 73-Year-Old Man Dies After Shooting
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence in Alabama
- Fox10TV: South Alabama Cheerleading Wins Title
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- AL.com: Police Kill Suspect in Shootout
- Google News: Jefferson County party shooting
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
