Saturday night tragedy struck Dadeville, Alabama, when a shooting tragically interrupted a Sweet 16 birthday party at the Mahogany Masterpiece, a small dance studio. Four lives were lost, and 28 others were injured, some critically, in the attack.
As a result, law enforcement launched an investigation into the incident at the request of the Dadeville Police Chief. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is appealing to the community for any pertinent information that could aid in the matter. Currently, police have not identified any suspects or motives as they continue the investigation.
Ivy Creek Healthcare, a hospital located in Dadeville, treated approximately 15 gunshot victims and reported that at least 17 ambulances were called to the scene. Some of the wounded were released, while additional individuals were flown to a trauma center in Birmingham.
The attack also claimed the life of Phil Dowdell, a star high school athlete and the grandchild of Annette Allen, the birthday celebrant’s grandparent, who was also injured and transported to the hospital.
In response to the incident, Rich Rodriguez, the head football coach for Jacksonville State University, took to Twitter to mourn the death of Phil in a statement.
Meanwhile, Dadeville is described as a small city with a population of roughly 3,000 and is located only a short drive from the Alabama State Capital in Montgomery.
The State Superintendent of Education, Eric Macky, underscored that “multiple communities and high schools” were significantly impacted by the tragedy. Furthermore, counselors will be available at local campuses to support students throughout the difficult process.
In light of the matter, the White House announced that President Biden was fully briefed while Governor Kay Ivey posted on Twitter and conveyed her grief about the events in Dadeville.
Yet, while emotion runs high and the suffering of the afflicted is palpable, ALEA is adamant that justice be served, and the community is encouraged to come forward and provide any assistance to the investigation.