Read on cbsnews.comStockton Birthday Party Shooting Leaves Four Dead, Including Three Children
A tragic shooting at a child's birthday party in Stockton, California has left four people dead, including three children aged 8, 9, and 14 years old. The incident occurred Saturday evening at a banquet hall on Lucile Avenue, with between 100-150 people present during the celebration. Authorities report 15 total victims were shot, with the suspect or suspects remaining at large. San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow described the perpetrators as 'animals' who 'shot children at a children's birthday party.' The investigation continues as community leaders offer substantial rewards for information leading to arrests.
A horrific shooting at a children's birthday party in Stockton, California has left four people dead, including three children, in what authorities are calling a targeted attack that has shaken the Northern California community. The incident occurred Saturday evening around 6 p.m. Pacific Time at a banquet hall along the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue, transforming what should have been a joyful celebration into a scene of tragedy and violence.
Tragic Details Emerge
According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, the victims included children aged 8, 9, and 14 years old, along with a 21-year-old adult. In total, 15 people were shot during the incident, with at least one victim reported in critical condition. The shooting occurred during an event that had between 100 and 150 attendees, creating a chaotic scene as families scrambled for safety.
Law Enforcement Response
San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow expressed outrage at the violence, stating during a news conference Sunday that "these animals walked in and shot children at a children's birthday party. None of us should stand for that." Investigators believe there were multiple shooters involved, with evidence suggesting the shooting began inside the building and moved outside. Multiple vehicles with bullet holes were towed from the scene for evidence processing, and several firearms were discovered on the roof of the building, though their connection to the shooting remains under investigation.
Community and Official Reactions
Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee emphasized the profound impact on the community, writing in a social media post that "[A] birthday party should never be a place where families fear for their lives." Mayor Christina Fugazi went further, describing the incident as "a pure act of terrorism" and "a complete, cowardly Terrorist Act!" While Sheriff Withrow would not confirm whether the shooting was gang-related, he stated investigators are "confident that this was not a random act" and that the perpetrators "were probably looking for somebody in particular."
Investigation and Rewards
The investigation remains active with no arrests made as of Sunday. Substantial rewards totaling $25,000 are being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Mayor Fugazi announced she would match Crimestoppers' $10,000 reward, with Councilwoman Mariela Ponce contributing $5,000. Additionally, the nonprofit Youth Peace & Justice Foundation is offering up to $5,000 for relevant information. California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the shooting, and authorities are urging anyone with information, video footage, or who witnessed any part of the incident to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office immediately.
