By: SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Two Alabama teenagers who vanished nearly a week ago were found shot to death in Wilcox County on Saturday, and a 27-year-old man has now been charged with capital murder in their killings.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) announced late Sunday that Courtney Anderson, of Thomasville, has been arrested and charged with capital murder involving two or more victims. He is being held in the Wilcox County Jail.
ALEA Capt. Jeremy Burkett said the bodies were discovered near Ralph Ervin Road in the Pine Hill community. Court records identified the victims as 18-year-old Kalisha Dunson and 17-year-old Keyonate McCall, both reported missing on Monday. The teens were last known to be near Thomasville before they disappeared.
Charging documents state that both Dunson and McCall were shot multiple times. ALEA has not released additional information about the circumstances of their disappearance, how the teens ended up in Wilcox County, or what led investigators to Anderson. Burkett said the investigation remains ongoing.
The tragic news has shaken Thomasville, where one of the victims was a student in the city school district. In a statement posted to Facebook, Thomasville City Schools expressed deep sorrow.
“It is with profound sadness that Thomasville City Schools confirms the death of one of our students,” the district wrote. “We extend our deepest condolences to the student’s family, friends, classmates, and all who knew and loved them. This is a heartbreaking loss for our entire school community.”
School officials said grief counselors and support staff are available to students and employees. They asked the community to keep the families in their thoughts and respect their privacy during an unimaginably difficult time.
As investigators continue gathering evidence, ALEA urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.