‘Despicable’: Man charged with murder after deadly shooting at children’s dance recital

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA/Gray News) – One person was shot and killed during an argument at a children’s dance recital in Mobile, Alabama on Sunday night.

The Mobile Police Department said officers responded to the shooting at about 6:30 p.m. at the Saenger Theatre downtown.

Officers found two victims who were shot. One was pronounced dead at the scene, and another was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The victim who died was identified as 27-year-old Carl Williams III, according to the police department.

Police identified the shooter as 27-year-old Marcus Sanders. Police said he fled the scene but later turned himself in. He was arrested and charged with murder and first-degree assault.

Investigators found that Sanders and Williams were arguing inside the theatre during the children’s dance recital.

Sanders shot Williams, police said, and a bullet also struck a bystander in the crowd. That person was shot in the ankle.

“To bring this to a child’s dance recital is despicable,” Police Chief William Jackson said on the scene Sunday evening.

Kenesha Carey, the director of Danze 101 Academy, said in a statement that counseling and resources will be available to dancers.

The statement read, in part:

“Our community has been profoundly affected, and I want to extend my deepest condolences to everyone involved. During times like these, it is natural to feel a mix of emotions and confusion. We understand how deeply this incident impacts not only our dancers but also our studio parents, family and friends. Please know that our primary concern has always been the well-being of our dancers and their families.”

Copyright 2025 WALA via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.