A family gathering in Stockton, California, turned into a scene of chaos and grief Saturday evening after gunfire left four people dead — three of them children — and 11 others wounded.
According to Fox News, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday that 15 people in total were struck by gunfire. The victims who died were just 8, 9, 14, and 21 years old.
Detectives remained at the scene throughout the day, processing evidence with assistance from the California Department of Justice.
Deputies were first called shortly before 6 p.m. after reports of shots fired. Early indications “suggest this may have been a targeted incident,” a sheriff’s spokesperson said. The suspect has not been located.
“We are doing everything possible to bring the individual that’s responsible for this to justice,” San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said.
Investigators are still working to determine a motive.
The attack unfolded inside a banquet hall where a family gathering was being held. Multiple victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, though officials have not released information about their conditions. The FBI is also assisting in the investigation.
Authorities said community tips, video, and witness statements are helping detectives as they work to identify and track down those responsible. Officials urged anyone with information or footage to come forward immediately.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the shooting, and the state’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local agencies.
The sheriff’s office expressed gratitude for support from multiple responding agencies, including police departments from Manteca, Stockton, Tracy, Lathrop, and Delta, as well as DAI, ATF, Stockton Unified School District Police, the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Justice, and the FBI.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this senseless violence,” the sheriff’s office said.
Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee said he was devastated to learn the shooting occurred during a child’s birthday party, adding that an ice cream shop “should never be a place where families fear for their lives.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
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