The beginnings of a growing memorial show up Tuesday morning (April 18) in front of the door that once represented excitement and fun but now stands as a somber reminder of the tragic April 15 event in downtown Dadeville. — Photo by Jennifer Davis Rash / The Alabama Baptist
As the Dadeville community continues to mourn the death of four teens killed in the April 15 mass shooting at a Sweet 16 birthday party, two suspects have been arrested and are facing multiple charges. Authorities announced the charges during a press conference Wednesday morning (April 19).
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency identified the two suspects as Ty Reik McCullough, 17, and Travis McCullough, 16, both of Tuskegee. They each have been charged with four counts of reckless murder. In addition to four fatalities, the shooting also left 32 injured. Authorities say both suspects will be charged as adults and more charges are expected in the days ahead, but they declined to comment on details of the investigation.
Ministry efforts continue
Dadeville-area ministers, counselors and Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief chaplains remain available for students, teachers, first responders and others in the community following the tragic shooting that took place in a downtown dance studio.
Flowers and other memorials started appearing in front of the studio after police tape was removed from around the front of the building earlier this week.
Investigations continue with a new command post set up at First Baptist Church Dadeville. A post also was set up at the Tallapoosa County Courthouse, where the Wednesday press conference took place.
In addition to ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation, several groups are assisting the Dadeville Police Department with the investigations including Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, FBI and U.S. Marshals Service. The 5th Circuit District Attorney’s Office also remains heavily involved.
Confirmed reports from the scene
A previous report from ALEA confirmed the shooting occurred at approximately 10:34 p.m. near the 200 Block of Broadnax Street in Dadeville, located in Tallapoosa County and that special agents recovered numerous shell casings used in handguns but did not recover any high-powered rifle ammunition at the scene.
Community prayer vigils were held April 16 and memorial services and funerals are now being planned and scheduled.
The four killed were Dadeville High School senior athletes 18-year-old Phil Dowdell and 17-year-old KeKe Smith, along with 23-year-old Dadeville High School alum Corbin Holston and 19-year-old Marsiah Collins of Opelika, who was taking a gap year between high school and college.
At least two of the injured remain in critical condition, according to social media reports from family and friends.
Anyone with information or more details to share is asked to call the SBI’s crime information hotline at 800-392-8011 or email sbi.investigations@alea.gov. B&R
