California Authorities Urge Public for Leads After 3 Children and 1 Adult Killed in Mass Shooting at Stockton Birthday Party
STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA — Investigators are pleading with the public for any information that could help identify the shooter or shooters responsible for killing three children and one adult during a mass shooting at a child’s birthday party inside a Stockton banquet hall Saturday evening. Eleven others were injured in one of the region’s deadliest acts of gun violence this year.
Gunfire Erupts at Birthday Celebration With More Than 100 People Present
According to San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow, the shooting began just before 6 p.m. at a banquet hall shared with several nearby businesses. More than 100 people were gathered for a family birthday party when gunfire broke out inside and continued outside the building.
The deceased victims have been identified only by age: 8, 9, 14, and 21 years old. One of the injured remains in critical condition.
Withrow said the attack may have involved multiple shooters, and investigators currently believe the act was targeted, though officials have not disclosed who may have been the intended victims or why.
Officials Plead for Cellphone Footage, Witness Accounts, and Even Rumors
Authorities issued an urgent public appeal Sunday for cellphone videos, eyewitness tips, or even second-hand information that might help identify those involved.
“This is a time for our community to show that we will not put up with this type of behavior, when people will just walk in and kill children,” Sheriff Withrow said. “If you know anything about this, you have to come forward.”
Sheriff’s spokesperson Heather Brent underscored that investigators welcome “any information, even rumors” that might provide direction in the case.
Community Leaders Hold Vigil, Express Grief Over Young Victims
Faith leaders organized a vigil Sunday afternoon to mourn the dead and pray for the wounded. Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi confirmed the 8-year-old victim attended a local school and had a parent employed by the Stockton Unified School District. Counselors will be made available at schools throughout the week.
“These kids should be writing Christmas lists right now,” Fugazi said. “To think that their lives are over breaks my heart.”
Sheriff Withrow said he drove more than eight hours from Oregon, cutting his Thanksgiving trip short when he learned of the shooting.
“I put down my grandbabies to come hunt down these animals who took somebody else’s babies away,” he said.
Five Arrested Hours After Shooting, Though Not Yet Linked to the Attack
Hours after the incident, Stockton police arrested five individuals — including a juvenile — on weapons and gang-related charges. However, there is no current indication that those arrests are connected to the mass shooting.
District Attorney Ron Freitas directly addressed the shooter during a Sunday briefing: “Turn yourself in immediately.”
Homicide numbers in Stockton have historically been high compared with other similar-sized California cities, though the rate has fallen this year. The sheriff emphasized that solving this case will rely heavily on community cooperation.
ChicagoMusicGuide.com will continue monitoring updates and official statements as investigators work to identify the gunmen and bring justice to the families affected.