One of the six suspects in the April 15, 2023, mass shooting in Dadeville is asking to be released while he awaits trial.
Attorneys for Willie Brown, Jr., 20, of Auburn, claim their client is not a flight risk and that evidence against him has been "permanently lost."
Brown and five others are charged with four counts of reckless murder, 24 counts of first-degree assault and one count of second-degree assault in the Sweet 16 birthday party shooting at Mahogany Masterpiece Dance Studio.
Four people were killed and 25 others injured. The four killed were Shaunkivia Nicole Smith, 17, of Dadeville, Marsiah Emmanuel Collins, 19, of Opelika, Corbin Dahmontrey Holston, 23, of Dadeville, and Philstavious Dowdell, 18, of Camp Hill.
Brown had a bond hearing 10 days later, in which an investigator with the State Bureau of Investigations testified, stating there was evidence against Brown. However, court documents show that the audio recording has been permanently lost.
The defense claims one of the shooting victims was the first to fire a weapon into the crowd. They say there is no evidence Brown ever fired a weapon or acted in concert with the other five codefendants.
"The State has not shown one witness statement who can even identify Mr. Brown as a shooter on April 15, 2023," the attorneys stated.
Brown had no prior record, and his attorneys say he has a stable job available if released.
However, the shooting could be linked to gang activity, sources say. Law enforcement officials in Randolph County previously confirmed to 1819 News that gang activity there was connected to the Dadeville Sweet 16 shooting. There was a shooting in 2023, and the high school graduation was on lockdown due to threats.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
