New arrests in Jefferson County bonfire shooting that killed Kimber Mills; Man hailed as hero charged
The shooting occurred at 12:24 a.m. Sunday in the 7900 block of Highway 75 in east Jefferson County, in an area known as “the pit.”
Silas McCay, of Remlap, one of the people injured in the shooting, is now charged with third-degree assault. The 21-year-old was hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds after the shooting.
A GoFundMe set up for Silas raised over $2,000 after his family said he was shot 10 times while trying to protect his friends.
“Thank you to everyone that was there for me it was very much appreciated!” McCay posted on TikTok. “I love you guys more than anything, I will always try to protect my friends and family no matter what the situation is!”
The TikTok post included a photo of him in a hospital bed with the caption, “Can't keep a real [ninja emoji] down,” and “P.I.M.P.” by 50 Cent playing.
However, donations stopped after a video was released showing a group of men jumping another man at the bonfire.
The video shows the man on the ground being punched in the head multiple times, and it shows the moment shots were fired. Authorities have not identified the subjects shown in the video and have not confirmed if Silas was involved in the altercation that led to the shooting.
Joshua Hunter McCulloch, 19, of Jefferson County, is also charged with third-degree assault.
Both McCay and McCulloch were arrested on Thursday and have since posted their $6,000 bonds.
Steven Tyler Whitehead, 27, of Brookwood, remains in the Jefferson County Jail, charged with murder and three counts of attempted murder. His bonds total $330,000.
After the shooting, Mills was transported to UAB Hospital, where she later died. Students and loved ones gathered at the hospital to honor Mills as she was wheeled through the hospital, where doctors harvested her organs.
All parties are considered innocent until proven guilty.