Kimber Mills was an 18-year-old senior at Cleveland High School in Alabama with plans to attend the University of Alabama. Described as having a sunshine personality and a little spunk, she was a cheerleader, ran track, and wanted to become a nurse.

The shooting that killed Kimber happened in the early hours of October 19, 2025, during a bonfire in a wooded area of Pinson known as The Pit. A 27-year-old man identified as Steven Tyler Whitehead arrived, an argument and physical altercation involving others followed, and Whitehead produced a gun and fired into the crowd. Kimber, not involved in the dispute, was struck in the head and leg; three other people were wounded. Friends took her to UAB Hospital, but doctors later determined her brain injuries were fatal. On October 21 a ceremonial honor walk was held as she was taken off life support; she was an organ donor and her heart was given to a 7-year-old child.

Whitehead was arrested and initially charged with three counts of attempted murder; after Kimber’s death one charge was upgraded to murder. Two other men, Silas McCay, 21, and Hunter McCulloch, 19, were arrested on third-degree assault charges related to the fight that preceded the shooting.

If anyone was at the bonfire or knew Kimber and can help clarify what happened that night, please share what is known.