Details emerged in court this week in the shooting death of four young people at a Sweet 16 birthday party in Dadeville on April 15.
Six people were charged with four counts of reckless murder. The three adults and three juveniles were all charged as adults. The adults charged are Wilson LaMar Hill, Jr., 20, of Auburn; Johnny Letron Brown, 20, of Tuskegee; and Willie George Brown, Jr., 19, of Auburn.
During an Aniah's Law hearing to determine if the adults would be held without bond Tuesday, testimony revealed that 89 shell casings were found on the scene at the Mahogany Masterpiece Dance Studio.
Special agent Jess Thornton said the scene was horrific and was the worst scene he had ever seen.
"Multiple shell casings. Blood everywhere," he said.
Investigators said at least four types of handguns were fired at the dance studio, and it is believed one had been modified to fire rapidly.
The juveniles have been identified by Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) as Ty Reik McCullough, 17, of Tuskegee; Travis McCullough, 16, Tuskegee; and a 15-year-old that has not been identified.
According to testimony, the defendants were not invited to the party but heard about it on social media. They had been there for about an hour when they were told to leave if they had guns.
Five of the six defendants admitted to investigators that they were at the party and fired a gun, and a co-defendant told ALEA the sixth suspect was there and fired a gun. No motive has been revealed, but a defense attorney claimed self-defense saying one of the victims, Corbin Holston, was the first person to fire a shot. Holston, 23, of Dadeville, was found with a 40-caliber handgun on his body.
Also killed were Phil Dowdell, 18, Shaunkivia Nicole "KeKe" Smith, 17, and Marsiah Emmanuel "Siah" Collins, 19.
It is believed more lives would have been lost if not for the swift actions of first responders who cleared the dance studio and transported victims within 34 minutes after the first call to 911.
The judge in the case has not ruled on the bond for the adults charged. The three juvenile defendants will have separate hearings. More charges are expected.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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