PINSON, Ala. (AP) — A late-night bonfire party in a wooded area of north Jefferson County turned deadly early Sunday when gunfire erupted, leaving one person dead and three others wounded, authorities said.
Deputies responded around 12:24 a.m. to the 7900 block of Highway 75 North in the Palmerdale area, sometimes called “The Pit,” after reports of multiple people shot, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said the shooting followed a verbal and physical altercation among the crowd at the bonfire gathering, which drew between 10 and 20 people. The scene was deep in a wooded area off Highway 75, making it difficult for first responders to reach the victims, authorities said.
Deputies found three victims — a 21-year-old man, an 18-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman — suffering from gunshot wounds. A fourth victim, a 20-year-old woman, was taken to a hospital by private car.
The suspect, 27-year-old Steven Tyler Whitehead of Brookwood, was arrested and charged with murder. He is being held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail. Additional charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Local residents told ABC 33/40 the area has long been a hangout for young adults, but said they were shocked by the violent turn. Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight said in a statement that the shooting was senseless and urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 205-325-1450 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.