Law enforcement officials remain silent about possible suspects related to the April 15 shooting that killed four people and injured 32 others at a "Sweet 16" birthday party in Dadeville.
1819 News emailed the following questions to investigators:
1. Are there any suspects identified?
2. Has anyone been detained or arrested in connection to the shooting?
3. Is the public in danger?
4. Do investigators believe the shooting was gang-related?
5. Is there any reason in an investigation such as this that information pertaining to the suspect or suspects would not be released?
6. Is it important to public safety officials involved in this investigation to inform the public of what's going on?
The questions were emailed to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), which is leading the investigation, an ALEA spokesperson, the FBI, the DEA, the Dadeville Police Department and the Tallapoosa Sheriff's Office.
The only response to 1819 News was DEA Special Agent Bridgette Mason, who wrote, "Please contact ALEA. They are the lead agency."
Calls to the agencies have also gone unanswered.
Community members have come forward with concerns and want to know if there is a murder or murderers loose.
RELATED: 18 hours after Dadeville' Sweet 16' shooting ALEA offering few details on suspect, threat to the public; Number of injured increases
Even television news reporters, such as Judd Davis with WSFA 12 News in Montgomery, have spoken about the unusual response to media requests.
"There's growing frustration amongst the public and the media about this Dadeville mass shooting that left four dead and 32 injured," Davis posted on Facebook. "Trust me, we too want information on a suspect or suspects in this case. It's a horrible tragedy impacting more than just 36 families. It's the whole community of Dadeville, and folks all over the state. We have heard all the Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, rumors and explanations of what happened. None of those theories are things we can report on the air. We need confirmation from official sources or risk getting sued or losing our FCC license. Somebody's sister who talked to somebody who was there does not count. It may be 100% right but not safe to use on the air. Being first is great, being accurate is far more important. Just know that we are doing everything possible to the get info right and as fast as we can. I don't blame anyone for being frustrated. The public deserves something. I sure hope we can get something confirmed soon and give some of these families information they deserve."
ALEA will hold a third press conference since the shooting on Wednesday at 10 a.m.
RELATED: State Rep. Oliver 'heartbroken' and 'very concerned' over 'Sweet 16' party shooting in hometown of Dadeville
ALEA public information officer Jeremy Burkett said during a press conference that agents are methodically investigating and trying to get all information gathered. He asked anyone with information to come forward by calling the SBI at 1-800-392-8011 or by emailing sbi.investigation@alea.gov. Anonymous calls may be made to Central Alabama Crimestoppers at 1-833-AL1-STOP. A reward is being offered for any information leading to an arrest.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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