DADEVILLE, Ala. (WRBL) – A celebration turned violent in Alabama Saturday night as a shooting left four dead and more than 20 people injured, according to investigators.
Witnesses told WRBL the gathering was a Sweet-16 Birthday celebration at Mahogany Masterpiece Dance Studio in downtown Dadeville, Alabama.
The shooting happened around 10:30 Saturday night. We do not know if a person(s) of interest or suspect(s) is in custody.
Sources told WRBL multiple law enforcement agencies are working feverishly in multiple jurisdictions on the investigation.
WRBL is told ALEA is leading the investigation, not local law enforcement. ALEA released the following statement Sunday morning:
At approximately 11:45 p.m. Saturday, April 15, Special Agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) launched a death investigation at the request of the Dadeville Police Chief. The investigation is a result of a shooting which occurred at approximately 10:34 p.m. near the 200 Block of Broadnax Street in Dadeville, located in Tallapoosa County. Currently, there have been four confirmed fatalities and multiple injuries. The following agencies responded to the scene and are currently assisting with the investigation: The Dadeville Police Department, Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the 5 Circuit District Attorney’s Office. Nothing further is available as the investigation is ongoing.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Meanwhile, some individuals have taken to social media to request the removal of a disturbing image showing six people on the ground in a building with the caption “Praying For Dadeville.” First responders have acknowledged they are aware of the image.
About 10 hours after the shooting, crime scene tape still surrounded the dance studio on N. Broadnax Street next to the PNC Bank. A tarp hung over the glass front door and white sheets were seen inside covering the floor. Several yellow police placards littered the front sidewalk.
The injured were transported to local hospitals for medical attention. Details about the suspects or motives have not yet been released by the authorities. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and people running and screaming from the building.
The shooting has left the small town shaken, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Dadeville Police or the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office.
