Tragedy in Dadeville: Four Killed and 32 Injured in Mass Shooting at Sweet 16 Party

Four people were killed and 32 injured in a mass shooting at a Sweet 16 party in Dadeville, Alabama on Saturday night. The tragedy has left the small city stunned and investigators searching for answers.

Alexis Dowdell, the 16-year-old birthday girl, had been planning the event for months. Before heading to the party, she sat on her brother Philstavious “Phil” Dowdell’s bed to tell him she was nervous. He made her laugh and promised to make sure she had fun.

Latonya Allen, the chaperone for the party, was at the small dance studio when rumors started spreading that someone had a gun. She temporarily stopped the party, turned the lights on and asked anyone over 18 with a gun to leave.

When the shooting started, Phil pushed Alexis to the ground. Later, Latonya realized he had been shot and pleaded with him to stay alive. Phil, an 18-year-old high school senior and football star, was set to graduate next month. He was one of the four people killed in the shooting.

The tragedy has left the small city of Dadeville in shock. Investigators are still searching for the shooter and a motive. The community is mourning the loss of Phil and the other victims of the shooting.