The vibrant Cinco de Mayo celebration at Azteca’s Restaurant & Cantina in Gulfport, Mississippi, turned tragic on the evening of May 5, 2025, when a heated argument ended in gunfire, claiming the life of 34-year-old Christopher Skinner. The Gulfport Police Department has now apprehended 25-year-old Jordan Tyrik Johnson, who faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with the fatal shooting. Johnson’s arrest, following his voluntary surrender late Friday night, marks a significant development in a case that has shaken the local community and underscored the fragility of public safety during festive gatherings.
The incident unfolded at approximately 9:36 p.m. at the popular restaurant located on Highway 49, where hundreds of patrons had gathered to commemorate the Mexican holiday. According to police reports, the lively atmosphere was shattered when Johnson and Skinner, both Gulfport residents, engaged in a verbal altercation that quickly escalated. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as Johnson allegedly drew a firearm and shot Skinner multiple times. Officers arrived promptly, providing immediate medical assistance to Skinner, who was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite their efforts, Skinner succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a grieving family and a community searching for answers.
Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer confirmed Skinner’s identity and cause of death, noting that the 34-year-old died from multiple gunshot wounds. The coroner’s report added a somber note to the investigation, highlighting the violent nature of the encounter. Police estimate that between 300 and 400 people were present at Azteca’s Restaurant & Cantina, either inside the establishment or in the surrounding parking lot, when the shooting occurred. Security personnel at the restaurant attempted to de-escalate the situation before shots were fired, but their efforts were unable to prevent the tragedy.
Following the shooting, Johnson fled the scene, prompting a manhunt by the Gulfport Police Department. Authorities issued a public alert, describing Johnson as a 5-foot-11, 200-pound Black male with black hair and brown eyes, and warned that he should be considered armed and dangerous. The search concluded when Johnson turned himself in at approximately 9:30 p.m. on May 10. He was booked into the Harrison County Adult Detention Center shortly after 1:20 a.m. the following morning, where he remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
The Gulfport Police Department has not released additional details about the motive behind the altercation or the relationship, if any, between Johnson and Skinner. Investigators are piecing together witness accounts and analyzing evidence to build a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the shooting. The large number of potential witnesses present at the restaurant has complicated the investigation, but authorities remain committed to uncovering the full scope of the incident.
Community leaders and residents have expressed shock and sorrow over the loss of Skinner, a local man whose death has left a void in the tight-knit Gulfport community. The tragedy has also sparked renewed conversations about gun violence and public safety, particularly during large public events. Azteca’s Restaurant & Cantina, a staple in the area known for its festive atmosphere, has not issued a public statement regarding the incident, but the event has undoubtedly cast a shadow over its reputation as a family-friendly venue.
The Gulfport Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact the department directly at 228-868-5959. For those preferring anonymity, Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers offers a confidential tip line at 877-787-5898, with the possibility of a reward for information leading to further developments in the case.
As the investigation continues, the Gulfport community mourns the loss of Christopher Skinner and grapples with the impact of this senseless act of violence. The arrest of Jordan Tyrik Johnson provides a step toward justice, but for many, the healing process is just beginning. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and unity in the face of tragedy, as Gulfport seeks to restore a sense of security and hope in the wake of this devastating event.