Cleveland, AL — A new arrest has been made in connection with the tragic shooting death of Cleveland High School senior Kimber Mills, a case that has deeply affected the close-knit Blount County community. Authorities confirmed that 21-year-old Silas Aaron McCay of Remlap was taken into custody on October 30, 2025, at 5:08 p.m., and booked into the Jefferson County Jail in Birmingham. He faces a charge of third-degree assault and is currently being held on a $6,000 bond as a pretrial inmate.
The incident surrounding Mills’s death has drawn intense public attention and sorrow, as the young student was well-known for her bright spirit and involvement in school and local activities. Although specific details of McCay’s alleged role in the case have not yet been released, investigators have confirmed that his arrest is connected to the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting that claimed Mills’s life earlier this month.
Authorities have maintained that this remains an active and evolving case, with detectives working around the clock to piece together the sequence of events that led to the tragedy. Police reports indicate that multiple witnesses have been interviewed and several pieces of forensic evidence have been collected. Officials have emphasized the importance of accuracy and patience as the legal process moves forward.
Cleveland residents have responded to the news of the arrest with a mix of relief and grief. For many, the development offers hope that justice is moving forward, yet it also reopens wounds for a community still struggling to comprehend the loss of such a young and promising life. Candlelight vigils and memorial gatherings have continued near the high school, where students and teachers remember Mills as a kind, motivated, and compassionate classmate.
At Cleveland High, the administration has made grief counseling available for students affected by the tragedy. Teachers describe Mills as someone who brightened the classroom with her enthusiasm and leadership, and her absence has left a deep void among her peers. Many of her friends have taken to social media to express their condolences, sharing stories, photos, and heartfelt messages in her memory.
Investigators have not released further details about the circumstances of the shooting, including the potential motive or relationship between the individuals involved. The Blount County Sheriff’s Office has urged the public to avoid speculation and to allow the justice system to handle the matter fairly and transparently.
Family members of Mills have asked for privacy as they continue to grieve the loss of their daughter and sister. Loved ones describe her as someone full of dreams for the future, with plans to pursue college and a career that would make a difference in the lives of others.
Meanwhile, McCay remains in custody as authorities work through the early stages of the court process. It is expected that additional charges could be filed as investigators complete their findings and prosecutors review the evidence.
The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has shaken Cleveland to its core. What began as a senseless act of violence has evolved into a symbol of community unity and resilience. Residents, teachers, and friends continue to honor Mills’s memory while calling for peace and understanding in the wake of tragedy.
As the investigation continues, Cleveland holds on to the hope that justice will be served and that the life of Kimber Mills will be remembered not for how it ended, but for the light she brought into the lives of all who knew her.