Kamille McKinney’s remains found inside dumpster in Birmingham… HighNoon! ?
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —
The body of Kamille “Cupcake” McKinney, the 3-year-old girl who was abducted in Birmingham on Oct. 12, was found inside of a dumpster at a landfill, Police Chief Patrick Smith said Tuesday night.
Smith said two persons of interest detained early on in the search, Patrick Stallworth and Derick Brown, will be charged with capital murder and kidnapping in connection with Kamille’s disappearance and death.
Stallworth was jailed on child porn charges and later released on a $500,000 bond. His attorney told WVTM 13 his client was “outraged” to have his name linked to kidnapping case.
Brown, who was arrested on kidnapping charges in 2018, remains in jail without bond for probation revocation.
Smith said there is no known between the suspects and Kamille or her family.
“They saw an opportunity to take a young child, and they did,” Smith said.
It’s unknown at this time how long the child might have been dead before being found.
The chief talked about horrific tragedy has sent a message across the country.
“This young child has touched a nation,” Smith said. “This young child has definitely sent a message across the nation that we all must be diligent to protect [children].”
Mayor Randall Woodfin asked the city to rally around the McKinney family.
“Tonight our entire city is mourning,” Woodfin said. “Kamille is gone, ripped away from her family. The pain her family is enduring is unimaginable.”
Woodfin said the “perpetrator of the crime will be brought to justice and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Watch and listen to the police chief and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin’s comments in the video below or here.
Leaders from around the state, including Governor Kay Ivey, have released statements on the tragic news.
REACTION
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey:
“Given the tragic news that is breaking this evening, I offer my heartfelt condolences to Kamille’s family. I offer profound thanks to law enforcement and to all the volunteers who have worked tirelessly in search of this precious little girl. The heart of our state is broken, but we must do all we can to avoid this happening to another family. Our prayers remain with Kamille’s family and all who have been touched by this nightmare.”
Congresswoman Terri Sewell:
“Cupcake was an innocent baby! My prayers are with her family and the entire Birmingham community during this unthinkable time. We must continue to find strength and unity, even in the face of heart breaking tragedy. Hold the ones you love close.”
Congressman Bradley Byrne:
“A heartbreaking outcome. Those responsible should be held fully accountable for this tragedy. Prayers for her family and the entire Birmingham community.”
Alabama AG Steve Marshall:
“Tonight, I join all of Alabama in feeling deep sadness over the passing of little Kamille “Cupcake” McKinney, and in praying for her family in this terrible time of loss. The BPD has worked this case tirelessly—and continues to do so. Those responsible will be brought to justice.”
Mayor Randall Woodfin:
“Tonight, we’re a city in mourning.
“Kamille McKinney is gone. Ripped away from her family. The pain her family is enduring right now is unimaginable.
“Know that whomever perpetrated this grisly crime upon this family will be brought to justice and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“But tonight, right now, at this moment, I ask one thing of this community. Not to take sides. Not to finger-point. I ask every member of the 99 neighborhoods that makes up our city to stand in solidarity beside this broken family. Now, more than ever, this family needs us.
“Tonight, Birmingham, we mourn as one. Uplift this family. Uplift your own families. Hold your loved ones a little tighter. Let them know that they’re valued.
“And to the family of Kamille, know that your pain, your tears, your anger, your sadness, and your many questions will not be ignored. Your cries for help will not go unanswered.”
Birmingham City Council President William Parker:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Cupcake’s family right now. This is an unimaginable tragedy and the entire city is feeling the pain of this senseless death. Along with law enforcement, thousands of people came out to try and find Cupcake and shared information that might lead to her being found. On behalf of the Birmingham City Council, I’m offering my sincere condolences to her family and all who knew her.”
Birmingham City Councilman Hunter Williams:
“Tonight we mourn the loss of one of Birmingham’s most beautiful and innocent children. Tragedies like this are hard to comprehend. There’s no appropriate response that can expel the hurt of this senseless act of cruelty that has been done to Cupcake, her family and the community. Sometimes words are not enough. Tonight we all mourn with the parents, friends, community and neighborhood of this precious child.”
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children:
“Thank you @WVTM13 for your around the clock coverage and search for this little angel. You did everything you possibly could to help bring her home. Tonight we all grieve together for Kamille.”
