STOCKTON, California — Four people, including three children aged 8, 9, and 14, were killed and 10 others injured after gunfire erupted at a child’s birthday party in Stockton, Northern California, on Saturday evening, authorities said.
The shooting occurred near the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue, inside a banquet hall where families were celebrating, Stockton police and the sheriff’s office reported. Victims were transported to local hospitals, and four later died. The victims range in age from juveniles to adults.
Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee described the incident as devastating. “Tonight, my heart is heavy in a way that’s hard to put into words,” he wrote on Facebook. “An ice cream shop should never be a place where families fear for their lives. Violence touched my life as a young person, and seeing our own children, parents, and neighbors go through this shakes me deeply.”
Early reports suggest the shooting may have been a targeted attack, according to Heather Brent, spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. “This is a very active and ongoing investigation. Information remains very limited at this time,” she said. Authorities urged anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office immediately.
Governor Gavin Newsom expressed shock over the incident. “The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is monitoring this evolving situation and coordinating with local law enforcement,” his office said on social media.
Congressman Josh Harder also issued a statement. “I am devastated at news of a mass shooting in Stockton, and Pam and I are praying for the victims and their families. My office is carefully monitoring this situation and in close contact with local law enforcement.”
The scene remains active as investigators continue to gather evidence. Authorities have asked the public to avoid the area near Thornton Road, close to a Dairy Queen and other businesses, while the investigation is ongoing.
The motive for the shooting has not yet been confirmed. Law enforcement officials said identifying the suspect remains the top priority.
Edgardo Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
- EDGARDO HERNAL
- EDGARDO HERNAL
- EDGARDO HERNAL
- EDGARDO HERNAL
