One dead in shooting at South Mississippi restaurant during Cinco de Mayo
Gulfport police are investigating a shooting at Azteca’s Restaurant & Cantina that resulted in the death of one person, authorities confirmed Tuesday.
The shooting happened outside the Highway 49 restaurant after an argument inside during the annual Cinco de Mayo celebrations at the restaurant spilled over into the parking lot, authorities said
Gulfport police Lt. Jason Ducre said police first responded to a report about the fight inside restaurant that was overcapacity, with an estimated 300 to 400 patrons. The call came in around 9:36 p.m. Monday.
As police started moving the crowd outside, Ducre said police heard gunshots and found the shooting victim in the parking lot.
The restaurant had security that tried to de-escalate the fight before the shooting, authorities said.
Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer identified the deceased as Christopher Skinner, 34, of Gulfport. He died of multiple gunshot wounds at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, Switzer said.
Gulfport police are investigating the case. To report information, call the Police Department at 228-868-5898.
This story was originally published May 6, 2025 at 8:57 AM.
