Community gathers to pray for Kimber Mills after Blount County shooting

CLEVELAND, Ala. (WIAT) — The Blount County community came together Monday evening to pray for Kimber Mills, a Cleveland High School senior who was shot and killed over the weekend.

Three other youths were also shot while attending a gathering in the woods near Highway 75 and Clay-Palmerdale Road early Sunday morning. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said it has arrested a suspect in connection with the shooting.

JCSO said a preliminary investigation indicates what started as a verbal and physical altercation escalated, leading to gunfire. Mills said another sister was with Kimber Mills at the outdoor gathering when the violence unfolded.

CBS 42 spent time at the vigil at Michael Dixon Memorial Stadium in Cleveland and had the opportunity to speak with Mills’ older sister. The football field was awash in pink as friends, family, loved ones and students gathered dressed in Mills’ favorite color.

“There are times in life that don’t make sense,” said Pastor Jack Thomason.

Prayers were offered.

“We just lifted the Mills family to you, Kimber, to you, Lord,” another man prayed aloud.

The Blount County community gathered in prayer after learning that one of their own, Mills, was shot in the head and leg early Sunday morning.

Ashley Mills, her older sister, said Kimber Mills is not expected to survive her injuries. Now, Ashley Mills must prepare for the unthinkable.

“They did some tests on her today for some organ donations,” Ashley Mills said.

“They only gave it a few days, so we don’t know how many more days it’s going to be,” Ashley Mills continued.

“There’s no course in the educational program that tells you what it’s like to lose a student, especially one as bright and vibrant as Kimber, who we haven’t lost yet,” said Casey Payne, a Cleveland high school counselor, who said Kimber Mills is known for her bright smile. “She’s still with us, but it’s a terrible situation.”

“We shouldn’t bury our little sister,” Ashley Mills said. “It should be the other way around.”

“Love hard, support each other, and don’t go a day without telling someone you love them,” Ashley Mills continued.

Ashley Mills said two young men who were shot early Sunday remain hospitalized.