Desiderio Desi Romero V, known to family and friends as Pepper, was an 18-year-old San Jose resident who was killed during a mass shooting on the night of July 25, 2026. The shooting occurred at an unsanctioned birthday gathering tied to Bay Area livestreamer NateDeBaiits in an unincorporated area near Morgan Hill that drew more than 300 people. Romero was one of seven people struck; deputies and emergency personnel pronounced him dead at the scene and six others were hospitalized and later released.

Authorities described a chaotic scene after reports of intoxicated people and bottles thrown into the roadway shortly before gunfire erupted around 10:15 p.m. Investigators have not publicly indicated Romero was specifically targeted and said they were working to determine whether shots came from a single shooter or multiple shooters. The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office opened a homicide investigation, later joined by the FBI, and offered a reward for information. As of August 11, 2026, no arrest or charges had been announced.

Friends and family remembered Romero as a beloved son, brother, grandson, cousin and friend; they held a candlelight vigil and set up a fundraiser to help with funeral expenses. Does anyone who attended or has recordings from that party have information that could help investigators?