A horrifying mass shooting at a child’s birthday party in Stockton, California left four people dead — including three children — and 11 others injured, as authorities continued searching Monday for the suspects responsible.
The gunfire erupted Saturday just before 6 p.m. at a banquet hall on the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue near Thornton Road, where 100 to 150 people had gathered for a child’s celebration. According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the victims included children ages 8, 9, and 14, and a 21-year-old adult. Law enforcement believes the attack was targeted and may have involved multiple shooters.
Despite the massive presence of responding agencies — including the Stockton Police Department, the California Department of Justice, the FBI, and the ATF — no arrests had been made as of Monday.
Authorities said tips and video from the public have helped shape suspect descriptions, but urged continued cooperation from the community.
“We are grateful for the information that has already been coming in from the community, and we ask that it continue,” the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook. “Detectives are actively working on suspect descriptions and moving toward identifying and locating the individuals responsible for this horrific act.”
Of the 11 injured, a 9-year-old remains hospitalized in fair condition. Two adults were also treated — one underwent surgery, and another suffered minor injuries. Several others were transported to nearby hospitals, including Sutter Memorial in Modesto.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi expressed heartbreak over the shooting, with Fugazi stating solemnly, “Heaven is a little bigger tonight,” in reference to the children lost. She urged residents to speak up through Crime Stoppers and help prevent further tragedies.
