At least four people were killed and 28 others injured when a gunman opened fire late last night at a sweet birthday party in a downtown Dadeville dance studio in Alabama.
Gunfire erupted just after 10:30 p.m., law enforcement confirmed.
Some of the injured were taken to Russell Medical Center in Alexander City, East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika and UAB in Birmingham.
Sgt. Jeremy Burkett with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency confirmed the number of shooting victims and said some of the injured remain hospitalized in critical condition.
He did not identify a suspect but said the person is no longer a threat to the community.
High school senior Phil Dowdell was set to graduate in mere weeks and planned to attend Jacksonville State on a football scholarship.
He was celebrating his sister’s sweet 16 birthday before the party was interrupted by gunfire.
Phil Dowdell died from his injuries. “He was a very, very humble child. Never messed with anybody. Always had a smile on his face,” said his grandmother, Annette Allen.
