The masked gunman who died after opening fire inside a Birmingham McDonald’s has now been identified.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the man has Antonio Demond Sanders. He was 24 and lived in Birmingham. He had only recently completed The Dannon Project, a program aimed at reducing recidivism.

The shooting happened about 10:45 p.m. at the Lomb Avenue restaurant. Sanders was taken to Princeton Baptist Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 11:16 p.m.

A father who was eating inside the restaurant with his two teen sons was injured by Sander’s gunfire as was his 17-year-old son. He returned fire and killed Sanders.

Sgt. Bryan Shelton said the restaurant was closing for the night and the manager was unlocking the door to let out the father and his sons.

As the door was opened, a masked man – now identified as Sanders - burst inside and opened fire. The exiting customer was able to return fire, striking Sanders.

A witness said she was at the drive-thru and had just ordered her food when she heard eight or nine shots ring out. She said people started running from the restaurant, including children. She said she then heard two more shots fired.

Authorities have not identified the father or his son. They have not released any information since on the scene Saturday night and Sunday morning except to say the investigation is ongoing. Video surveillance is among the evidence they are reviewing. They will present all of their evidence to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office for review, but don’t expect any charges to be filed.

Initial police scanner reports said the shooting may have happened during a robbery, but police have not confirmed whether Sanders was intending to rob the restaurant or was targeting someone inside the restaurant.

Court records show Sanders pleaded guilty in July to possession of marijuana and carrying a pistol without a license. He entered the plea after taking part in The Dannon Project program. During his time in the program, according to a letter on file from a court advocate, Sanders completed a mental toughness program orientation and started several occupational training classes, including success lab courses and financial literacy. He had decided to pursue certification in forklift operation.

“Because of his compliance and dedication in our program, we are happy and eager to report…that Mr. Sanders has demonstrated a propensity of progressive success and law-abiding citizentry,’’ reads a letter to the judges in Sanders’ cases. “When our nation formulates plans to reduce recidivism and enable second changes, Antonio Sanders' post incarceration journey is the example all similarly situated participants should emulate.”

Sanders was given probation, but records show a judge had revoked his probation on Monday, before Sanders had been identified as the person killed over the weekend. The reason for the revocation was not immediately available.

"Right now it appears the victim made a decision that cost his life and the father made a decision that preserved his and children’s' life,'' Shelton said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham police at 205-254-1764 or Crimes Stoppers at 205-254-7777.