A Family Birthday Celebration in Stockton Turned Deadly Leaving Four Dead and Eleven Injured
Four people including three children were killed and 11 others injured when gunfire broke out during a family birthday celebration at a Stockton banquet hall Saturday evening. The shooting erupted shortly before 6 p.m. at a venue on the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office. Stockton is about 50 miles south of Sacramento.
Authorities confirmed Sunday that the victims killed were ages 8, 9, 14 and 21. The conditions of the remaining injured guests had not yet been released. Sheriffs spokesperson Heather Brent described the gathering as a childrens birthday party and called the violence unfathomable, emphasizing that young children were among those harmed.
Brent said the shooting may have been targeted, though investigators are still working to identify the gunman. It remains unclear whether the gunfire came from inside or outside the banquet hall. The FBI, Stockton police and multiple other agencies are assisting the investigation.
San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said prosecutors will dedicate the full weight of their office to bringing the shooter to justice. Californias Governor Gavin Newsoms office said state emergency officials are coordinating with law enforcement as updates unfold.
