Families of Dadeville mass shooting victims protest possible plea deals
DADEVILLE, Ala. (WAKA) — Family members of the four victims killed in the 2023 Dadeville mass shooting gathered Monday night to publicly voice frustration over reported plea deals being considered for the six people charged in the case.
Dozens of family members and survivors filled First Baptist Church, where relatives of the victims and one victim addressed the crowd. They said they want each defendant tried before a jury rather than offered plea agreements, stressing they are seeking accountability, not revenge.
Speakers said the families are united in their position and want both the district attorney’s office and state leaders to hear their concerns.
Amy Jackson, whose 17-year-old niece Shaunkivia Smith was among those killed, organized the meeting. Jackson said she has asked Attorney General Steve Marshall to have his office take over the prosecutions from District Attorney Mike Segrest, alleging the families’ wishes have not been adequately considered.
Jackson described the lasting impact of the violence on victims’ families and survivors.
“They’re gonna get to have children. They’re gonna get to maybe marry one day. They’re gonna be able to go to work. They’re gonna be able to spend time at the family reunions. They’re gonna be able to live life that they took from other people,” Jackson said. “They caused another child to not be able to walk again. Two were left with brain damage. So they’re gonna get to live life. They’re young. Even if they got 25 years, they would still be young when they got out. The family could still go see them. We can’t. We can go to a grave.”
Martin Collins Jr., whose son Marsiah Collins was also killed, said the loss has been especially painful as he pursues a legal career.
“Marsiah was killed in my second year of law school. I never thought that I would be an attorney and have a son that I couldn’t get justice for,” Collins said. “That is the most heartbreaking thing in the world — to know that you work in this field every day and you cannot get justice for your child.”
In a statement posted on social media, Segrest, the district attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, said he has met with the families and listened to their concerns.
“I have returned their calls and met every time they have asked for a meeting and I have listened to their questions and concerns,” Segrest said. “I have tried my best to explain the law as I understand it and the issues we face. The meetings have been emotional and I have cried with them.”
Segrest said that while state law requires him to meet with victims’ families, it does not require him to follow their wishes.
“As far as trials there would have to be five separate trials,” Segrest said. “The earliest that any could be ready for trial would be June of 2027.”
He added that any plea agreement would eliminate the risk and emotional toll of multiple trials, waive appeals and provide final resolution across all cases.
“It would be my prayer that this could bring closure and let the healing process begin,” Segrest said.
Family members said potential plea agreements for some defendants could result in less than three years in prison followed by 15 years of probation.
The shooting occurred April 15, 2023, during a Sweet 16 birthday party in Dadeville. Four young people were killed and 32 others were injured. Those killed were Marsiah Emmanuel Collins, 19; Philstavious Dowdell, 18; Corbin Dahmontrey Holston, 23; and Shaunkivia Nicole Smith.
