Booker T. Washington football coach Lawrence O’Neal confirmed on social media Wednesday afternoon that one of two suspects arrested in the Dadeville shooting that killed four people was one of his players.

Authorities announced Wednesday morning that Ty Reik McCullough, 17, and Travis McCullough, 16, both of Tuskegee had been arrested and charged as adults with four counts of reckless murder.

In a Facebook post, O’Neal confirmed that Ty Reik was a member of the Booker T. Washington football team.

“I never disown one of my football players,” he wrote. “Yes, Reik was a member of our football team and, although I don’t make any excuses for what he is accused of nor do I condone the ruthless crimes waged against him, he is still mine and I love him.”

Ty Reik McCullough and Travis McCullough were taken into custody at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Under Alabama law, reckless murder is committed when a person recklessly engages in conduct which creates a grave risk of death to a person other than himself or herself and causes the death of another person.

The suspects will have a bond hearing in 72 hours. The case could then go to a grand jury. Prosecutors will request they be held without bond.

In addition to the four deaths in the shooting Saturday night in Dadeville, 32 others were injured, some seriously.

“I didn’t want to say anything because I’m heartbroken for so many reasons,” O’Neal wrote in his post. “My heart goes out to the families that lost loved ones in this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the communities affected (Dadeville, Tallassee, Pike Road, Opelika, Reeltown, Tuskegee).

“My heart goes out to the victims that lives have been changed forever because of this shooting. My heart goes out to the kids that will suffer from PTSD because there are things that you can’t unsee, smells that you will never forget and sounds that echo a eternity.”

O’Neal wrote that he had family members in the building and students and family members recovering from surgeries because they were in the building.

“Nothing can replace the lives lost and no words can heal the pain of losing children,” he wrote.

O’Neal said he vowed to continue to try to teach every player, student, young person he comes in contact with.

“This hurts on so many levels, but it does not change the mission,” he wrote. “Build up Kids, Believe in Kids and Love Kids. Down but not out.”

O’Neal’s team went 6-6 in 2022, losing to Anniston in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs. It was his second year as head coach at the school. McCullough had a stellar junior football season, accounting for 1,976 yards and 15 touchdowns. He is listed as an athlete and defensive back.

Attempts by AL.com to reach O’Neal have not been immediately returned.