WETUMPKA, Ala. — The Wetumpka Police Department (WPD) has arrested three men in connection with a shooting incident that took place on the evening of August 5, 2025, in Wetumpka, Alabama. Rafael Tillman, Christopher George Jr., and Daveyun Stinson have been charged with shooting into an occupied building and shooting into an unoccupied vehicle after multiple shots were fired in the 200 block of South Shelby Street around 11 p.m. that night.

According to authorities, the suspects opened fire on a residence and a vehicle, creating a tense and dangerous situation. Despite adults and children being inside the home at the time, there were no injuries, a fact that authorities attribute to a combination of quick police response and sheer luck. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and while a motive has not been made public, the authorities are working diligently to piece together the details surrounding the shooting.

Shooting Incident Details

The initial response from Wetumpka Police came after receiving reports of shots fired on the 200 block of South Shelby Street, a relatively quiet area near Wetumpka’s downtown district. Police arrived on the scene around 11 p.m. and immediately found evidence that the home and vehicle had been struck by multiple rounds of gunfire.

Authorities confirmed that the home was occupied at the time of the shooting, with both adults and children inside. Despite the fact that the shots hit the house, no one was injured. The vehicle, which was parked nearby, was unoccupied but still struck by bullets. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in relation to the vehicle either, and the incident did not escalate further, allowing authorities to maintain control over the situation.

The home that was targeted was reportedly not known for any criminal activity, leading investigators to believe that this was an isolated incident. However, they are working with limited information, as the suspects have not disclosed a clear motive for their actions.

Suspects and Arrests

Following an extensive investigation, the Wetumpka Police Department was able to identify Rafael Tillman, Christopher George Jr., and Daveyun Stinson as the suspects involved in the shooting. The suspects were arrested shortly after the incident and were charged with shooting into an occupied building and shooting into an unoccupied vehicle. Both of these charges are considered felony offenses under Alabama law, with each carrying significant penalties.

Authorities quickly determined that the shooting was not a random act. The suspects were connected to the area, and investigators were able to gather enough evidence to support the charges against them. However, at the time of the arrest, police were still unclear about the exact motive behind the shooting.

• Rafael Tillman, Christopher George Jr., and Daveyun Stinson are currently being held at the Elmore County Jail as they await court proceedings.

Charges and Legal Ramifications

The three men are facing serious charges, which could result in long prison sentences if they are convicted. In Alabama, shooting into an occupied building is a felony offense, as it puts the lives of those inside at risk. In this case, although there were no injuries, the fact that both adults and children were inside the home when it was struck by gunfire will likely weigh heavily in the prosecution’s case.

Similarly, the charge of shooting into an unoccupied vehicle is also a serious felony, as it endangers both property and people in the surrounding area. Even though the vehicle was unoccupied at the time of the shooting, the potential for harm was significant, and law enforcement will treat it as a severe violation of the law.

The suspects’ arrests have raised questions about whether they were involved in other criminal activity. Local residents have expressed concern over the incident, as the area is generally considered peaceful and not known for frequent violent incidents. Law enforcement is working to ensure that the suspects are held accountable for their actions, and that the safety of the Wetumpka community is not compromised.

Motive and Investigation

At present, the motive for the shooting remains unclear. Police have stated that the suspects have not disclosed any clear reasoning for their actions, and no one has come forward to suggest a specific connection between the suspects and the victims. The Wetumpka Police Department has not released any additional details regarding whether the shooting was related to a personal dispute, gang activity, or another form of conflict.

The fact that the shooting targeted both an occupied residence and an unoccupied vehicle suggests that the suspects may have intended to send a message, or that they were acting out of frustration or anger. Whether this was a targeted attack or a random act of violence remains to be determined.

Investigators are currently working to understand the background of the suspects. Preliminary reports indicate that the suspects may have had some connection to the area, but more information is needed to establish their reasons for choosing this specific location. Authorities are looking into the suspects’ criminal records, if any, and conducting interviews with anyone who might have insight into their motives.

Community Reactions and Safety Concerns

The shooting has left the Wetumpka community in shock. While the town is generally considered a safe and close-knit community, incidents like this serve as a reminder that gun violence can affect even the most peaceful areas. Many local residents have voiced concerns over the shooting, as it happened close to homes where families live and children play.

Local businesses in Wetumpka are also expressing concern, as the shooting could lead to a temporary decline in tourism or commerce. Wetumpka, which is known for its historic downtown area and attractions like the Wetumpka Depot, relies on visitors to boost the local economy. The shooting incident, especially one involving gunfire so close to populated areas, has raised fears about the potential impact on the community’s reputation.

In light of the shooting, the Wetumpka Police Department has stepped up patrols in the area, and local officials are holding community meetings to address concerns and provide safety updates. The community has shown resilience in the face of the attack, and local leaders are calling for greater unity and strength to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.

Investigation and Future Developments

The Wetumpka Police Department has indicated that the investigation is ongoing. As authorities continue to piece together the events that led to the shooting, they are also looking into whether the suspects are connected to other crimes. Law enforcement has urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, as they believe additional witnesses may have been present at the time of the incident.

As the case moves forward, additional charges may be filed if more information comes to light, or if evidence suggests that the suspects were involved in other criminal activities.

A court date for Rafael Tillman, Christopher George Jr., and Daveyun Stinson has not been set, but they are expected to appear in court in the coming weeks. The prosecution will likely move quickly to build their case, given the severity of the charges and the potential risks to public safety.

Conclusion

The arrests of Rafael Tillman, Christopher George Jr., and Daveyun Stinson have brought attention to the issue of gun violence in Wetumpka and other small communities in Alabama. While the community has been fortunate that no one was injured in this incident, the shooting serves as a stark reminder of the importance of law enforcement’s role in keeping neighborhoods safe.

As the investigation continues, the community of Wetumpka, alongside law enforcement agencies, will remain focused on ensuring justice is served for those affected by this disturbing act of violence. The Wetumpka Police Department and the Elmore County Jail will continue to hold the suspects accountable for their actions, and more information will be provided as the case progresses.