On Thursday, November 21, 2024, 1819 News reported that Tallapoosa County Judge Kevin Hall recused himself from the case involving the Dadeville Sweet 16 party mass shooting. This decision comes as legal proceedings continue for Willie George Brown, Jr., and five other suspects charged in connection with the tragic incident that occurred on April 15, 2023. The shooting resulted in four fatalities and 25 injuries.
Brown, 20, along with co-defendants Wilson Hill, Johnny Brown, Sherman Peters III, Travis McCullough, and Ty Reik McCullough, faces multiple charges, including four counts of reckless murder and 24 counts of first-degree assault. The victims include Shaunkivia Nicole Smith, Marsiah Emmanuel Collins, Corbin Dahmontrey Holston, and Philstavious Dowdell.
In a recent court filing, Brown’s attorney argued that access to the victims’ cell phones is critical for the defense. The legal team contends that information stored on these devices could demonstrate that at least one victim intended to harm Brown, which may impact the case’s outcome. They previously sought access to these phones but were informed by the District Attorney’s office that the phones were not in their possession. The defense maintains that investigators do, in fact, have custody of the devices.
Following Judge Hall’s recusal, Judge William Whorton has been assigned to oversee the case moving forward. The legal proceedings will continue as the defense seeks to obtain the requested evidence to support their claims regarding the victims’ intent.
Source: 1819 News
