A December bonfire in Theodore turned deadly when gunfire broke out behind a business near Bellingrath Road and Laurendine Road. Dante Red Gajdys Desantis, 31, was shot and killed during the incident on Friday, December 6, 2024. Six other people were struck by gunfire; four were taken to hospitals by private vehicles and two by ambulance.

Desantis was a Theodore resident, a father, a well-known tattoo artist and an aspiring rap artist. Officers arrived at about 10:47 p.m., found the deceased victim and multiple people with gunshot wounds, and the Mobile Police Department opened a homicide investigation. Investigators say their findings will be given to the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office. No further details about how the shooting started or any suspects have been released.

If anyone was at that gathering or has information about what happened behind the business, please come forward.