Summer Moody dies; bullet fragment embedded in skull may identify shooter

By Graham Heath countynews@gulfcoastnewspapers.com
Posted 4/26/12

BAY MINETTE, Alabama — Baldwin County High School student Summer Moody died shortly after 10 p.m. Wednesday after a bullet caused traumatic brain injuries during an alleged burglary attempt April 16 on Gravine Island in North Baldwin …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Subscribe to continue reading. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Local reporters keeping you informed across the Alabama Gulf Coast.

You can cancel anytime.
 

Please log in to continue

Log in

Summer Moody dies; bullet fragment embedded in skull may identify shooter

Posted

BAY MINETTE, Alabama — Baldwin County High School student Summer Moody died shortly after 10 p.m. Wednesday after a bullet caused traumatic brain injuries during an alleged burglary attempt April 16 on Gravine Island in North Baldwin County.

 Fairhope attorney Robert Stankoski, who was retained by the victim’s family, said Thursday her death may elevate potential charges from first-degree assault to murder.

He also said new evidence indicates the presence of a bullet fragment remaining in her skull which may be the key to identifying the shooter. Moody was allegedly with three 17-year-old males and was shot in the head when adjacent campers heard noises at 4 a.m. and said they fired warning shots, according to Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack.

 Two men fired one round each from a .17-caliber rifle and a .22-caliber rifle. The men have not been charged. The Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office and sheriff’s investigators said the investigation should be complete this week and evidence will be submitted to the Baldwin County grand jury.

Stankoski said an initial medical assessment indicated a “through-and-through” wound. He said Wednesday new evidence suggests a large bullet fragment remains lodged in her skull and may determine who fired the fatal shot.

 “Potential charges could change from first-degree assault to murder,” Stankoski said. “We are now dealing with a death. We have to figure out intent when the shots were fired.” He said a warning shot might be considered criminally negligent and open a range of lesser charges. “If they saw and shot intentionally, it would support a murder charge,” he said.

 The three juveniles were charged as adults. They are Scott Tipton Byrd, of Stapleton, Daniel Parnell, of Bay Minette, and Dylan Wade Tyree, of Stapleton. Bail was set at $100,000 each. Byrd posted bail Monday, according to online records posted at Baldwin County Corrections Center. Tyree posted bail Wednesday.

On Tuesday, District Attorney Hallie Dixon joined investigators at the shooting site in an attempt to recreate the shooting and gather more evidence. She said lighting conditions, terrain and other logistical factors were examined.

Dixon and Mack will hold a joint news briefing to discuss the investigation today at 3 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Office in Bay Minette.