STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA – Authorities in California are calling on anyone with information about a deadly shooting at a child’s birthday party to come forward as the search for suspects continues.
The shooting occurred Saturday at a banquet hall in Stockton, where at least 100 people were gathered. Three children, ages 8, 9, and 14, along with a 21-year-old, were killed. Eleven others were injured, including at least one in critical condition. Officials believe gunfire may have continued outside and that multiple shooters could have been involved. No suspects were in custody as of Sunday evening. Authorities are asking for tips, cellphone footage, or witness accounts to aid the investigation.
San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow described the attack as an unthinkable act of violence. “If you know anything about this, you have to come forward and tell us what you know. If not, you just become complacent and think this is acceptable behavior,” he said. Investigators believe the incident was targeted but have not released further details.
Relatives of the victims spoke at vigils, expressing grief and shock. Roscoe Brown, whose niece and nephews were among the injured, called the attack senseless. Emmanuel Lopez said his brother, 21-year-old Susano Archuleta, died at the scene, while his 9-year-old daughter survived after being shot in the head.
Stockton, a city of roughly 320,000 about 80 miles east of San Francisco, has seen a higher-than-average homicide rate this year, with 54 killings in 2024 compared to the state average. Five people, including a juvenile, were arrested on weapons and gang-related charges in the hours following the shooting, though authorities say those arrests were unrelated to the banquet hall incident.
Mayor Christina Fugazi expressed heartbreak over the deaths of such young victims. “They should be writing their Christmas lists right now. Their parents should be out shopping for them for Christmas. And to think that their lives are over… breaks my heart,” she said, noting counselors would be available at local schools this week.