One Dead, One Injured in Shooting at Children’s Dance Recital at Mobile’s Saenger Theater; Suspect in Custody

One Dead, One Injured in Shooting at Children’s Dance Recital at Mobile’s Saenger Theater; Suspect in Custody

MOBILE, Ala. — A community is in mourning and disbelief after a tragic shooting disrupted a children’s dance recital at the historic Saenger Theater on Sunday night, leaving one man dead and another injured.

According to the Mobile Police Department, an altercation between two men inside the packed theater quickly escalated into gunfire. The incident occurred during a dance recital filled with families, young performers, and community members.

Carl Williams III, 27, was shot during the confrontation and later died from his injuries. Another victim was shot in the ankle and is expected to recover.

Chaos in a Place of Celebration

Witnesses described the moment as surreal and terrifying.

“At first, I thought it was part of the act,” said Sandra, who was in the audience. “The two young men were pushing each other, and then one of them just pulled a gun from his belt and started shooting. People screamed and ran. It was chaos.”

Reginald, another attendee, was separated from his granddaughter who had just performed moments before the gunfire erupted.

“I heard arguing, and then I saw the flash of the gun,” he recalled. “We dove under the benches. It was terrifying. I’ve been crying ever since. These kids are traumatized — I’m traumatized. This was supposed to be a safe, joyful event.”

Families rushed to find their children, and dance studio staff acted quickly to move performers backstage and out of danger.

Victim Captured Final Moments of Joy

Williams, the deceased victim, had been recording a video of his daughter performing on stage when the argument broke out behind him. Moments later, he was shot.

Police later identified the suspect as Marcus Sanders, 27, who fled the scene on foot immediately after the shooting. Hours later, he turned himself in to authorities and is now charged with murder and first-degree assault.

Chief William Jackson of the Mobile Police Department confirmed the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute between Sanders and Williams, who knew each other.

“This was not a random act,” said Chief Jackson. “This tragedy unfolded from a personal conflict that should never have escalated to violence—especially not in a space filled with children.”

A Community in Shock

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Mobile community, leaving families and organizers heartbroken over an event that was supposed to celebrate young talent and achievement.

“This was my daughter’s final recital, her senior year,” said Kym Anderson, a former NBC 15 anchor who was in the audience. “What happened was senseless. The staff did an incredible job protecting the children, but this is something no parent or child should ever experience.”

Other witnesses expressed outrage that a firearm had been brought into an event centered around children.

“There were so many kids in there,” said Regina, a mother in attendance. “A bullet doesn’t have a name. When you open fire in a room full of families, you’re not just endangering your target—you’re endangering everyone. It’s heartbreaking.”

Moving Forward

The Saenger Theater has reopened, but the emotional scars remain. Counselors are being made available to children, families, and staff impacted by the shooting. Police are continuing to investigate and are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.

The Mobile community is coming together in the wake of this tragedy, determined to support the victims and ensure that events intended to uplift and inspire are never again marred by violence.