In the small community of Frisco City, Alabama, a Thanksgiving night bonfire turned into a scene of tragedy, ending the life of 20-year-old Mathias Likely of Castleberry. The young man, also known as Willis Mathias Likely, was attending the gathering on November 29, 2024, when gunfire erupted.
The event, intended to be a festive occasion, had security measures in place, with attendees reportedly being searched for weapons before entry. Despite these precautions, shots were fired sometime around midnight in the area between the parking lot and the bonfire itself. In the ensuing chaos, Likely was struck. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, but tragically succumbed to his injuries.
In the wake of the deadly shooting, an investigation was launched by the Frisco City Police Department. Their efforts led to the arrest of 20-year-old Javvante Hill, a resident of Monroe County. Hill was subsequently charged with murder in connection with Mathias Likely's death. While an arrest has been made, the specific motive or the circumstances that led to the fatal altercation have not been publicly detailed.
