The community of Morgan Hill is in mourning following a tragic shooting that claimed the life of an 18-year-old high school senior, Desiderio Romero V, known affectionately as “Pepper” to his family and friends. The incident, which occurred on the evening of July 25, 2026, has left the community reeling and has sparked an ongoing investigation by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.

The unsanctioned party, held near the intersection of Hale Avenue and Miramonte Avenue, was attended by more than 300 people. The gathering, promoted on social media as a birthday celebration hosted by Twitch streamer Natedebaits, turned tragic when gunfire erupted shortly after 10:15 p.m., sending attendees fleeing in panic. In the chaos, seven people were struck by gunfire, with one person killed and six others injured.

The Life of Desiderio Romero V

Desiderio Romero V, a lifelong resident of San Jose, was a beloved son, brother, and friend. His grandfather, Desiderio Romero III, shared heartfelt memories of a young man who was known for his beautiful smile and his love for sports. Desi, as he was known to his family, was an active participant in both football and baseball, playing various positions with enthusiasm and dedication.

His grandfather recounted how Desi, even as a young child, showed remarkable determination and sportsmanship. “He was playing for his dad and some running back from the other team, he was like 40 yards down field, and usually at a five or six-year-old level, the kids just say, ‘I ain’t going over there,’” his grandfather said. “But he busted his butt and he tackled the guy at the five-yard line. He didn’t give up.”

Desi’s love for sports extended beyond the field. He enjoyed watching games with his family, and his grandfather shared a poignant memory of taking him to a Warriors game. “He wanted a Draymond Green jersey, but I didn’t get it for him because it was the end of the season, and so I go, ‘We’ll go again,’” his grandfather recalled. “And we never did.”

The Day of the Tragedy

On the day of the shooting, Desi spent quality time with his grandfather. He mowed the front lawn, emptied the recycling, and later asked his grandfather to take him to get a haircut. They visited Eastridge Mall to buy a baseball cap and some of their favorite white JCPenney t-shirts, enjoying a frozen yogurt together. “After that, he took a shower and he goes – he calls me Poppy – he goes, ‘Poppy, I’m going to go now,’ and I go, ‘Okay, be careful,’” his grandfather remembered.

The family’s last words to Desi were filled with love and care. “We always said, ‘We love you.’ He used to ask me why I said that. And I used to tell him, ‘Well, what if I go across the street and I get hit by a car? At least you’ll know that I told you that,’” his grandfather shared. “He was just a good kid at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Community Response and Ongoing Investigation

The tragic loss has prompted an outpouring of support from the community. An online fundraiser has been set up on GoFundMe to help the Romero family with funeral and memorial costs. The fundraiser page reads, “Pepper was taken from us far too soon, and our hearts are shattered. He will forever be remembered for the love he brought to everyone around him.”

The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the incident. Brooks Jarosz, a spokesperson for the office, confirmed that the party was unauthorized and that the property’s owner was unaware of the gathering. Investigators believe a handgun was used in the shooting but have not released additional information about the weapon.

Detectives are urging anyone who witnessed the shooting or has photos, videos, or other information to come forward. “We want to collect any other statements or information that will help lead us to any suspects responsible for this crime,” Jarosz said. “This is going to take time. We have to be patient.”

The community of Morgan Hill continues to grieve the loss of Desiderio Romero V, a young man whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence. As the investigation continues, the family and friends of Desi seek justice and closure, remembering a life filled with love, sports, and cherished moments.