The tragic bonfire shooting in Alabama has taken a grave turn, as the suspect involved is now charged with murder following the death of a young cheerleader. The incident, which left three people injured, occurred in the early hours of October 19 in Pinson, Alabama, claiming the life of 18-year-old Kimber Mills.

According to officials, the shooting unfolded at a location locally known as The Pit. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reports indicate that 27-year-old Steven Tyler Whitehead arrived at the bonfire around 12:24 a.m. and opened fire after a heated verbal and physical altercation.

Initially, Whitehead faced three counts of attempted murder. However, these charges have been escalated to include murder following the passing of Mills. This heartbreaking development was confirmed by Kimber’s sister, Ashley Mills, who shared the news of her sister’s death on Facebook.

Kimber Mills was a senior at Cleveland High School, where she was an active member of the track team and served as a cheerleader. She had plans to continue her education at the University of Alabama, with aspirations to begin her college journey in 2026.

Kimber Mills, 18, was planning to attend the University of Alabama in 2026. (Rylie Cirbo)

“Our sweet baby sister went to be with the Lord at 7:08 p.m. last night! She has had the biggest gathering for honor walk the doc has ever seen! She was and is so loved by so many. We will miss you Kimber! Everyone is free to share this post anywhere they feel necessary!” Ashley Mills wrote on Facebook.

Ashley Mills told AL.com that Kimber was “caught in the crossfire” when she was shot.

Silas McCay, 21, told WBRC that the suspect tried talking to Kimber before a fight broke out.

Kimber Mills, 18, was a cheerleader at Cleveland High School. (Rylie Cirbo)

“My ex-girlfriend came up to me at the party and said he was trying to do stuff to this girl named Kimber,” McCay said. “My buddy and I found him, and we started fighting him. I grabbed him and put him over my shoulder and had him on the ground. My buddy pulled me off him, and that’s when he pulled his gun out and started shooting.”

Kimber Mills had plans to attend the University of Alabama in 2026 and had hopes of becoming a nurse.

An honor walk was held on Tuesday afternoon after doctors determined her injuries were too severe, and her heart was donated to a 7-year-old, according to WVTM. Officials said she was shot in her head and leg, and taken to UAB hospital in Birmingham by a private car.

Steven Tyler Whitehead was arrested in connection to the shooting. (Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office)

Rylie Cirbo, who knew Kimber Mills, told Fox News Digital: “I’d much rather her be known for her sunshine personality and big smile rather than the tragedy.”

“I’m thankful for all the joy she’s brought my other friends,” she said. “She seemed like a very bright light in so many lives.”