Stockton Birthday Party Shooting Leaves Four Dead

Fatal Shooting at Stockton Birthday Party

A shooting on Saturday night at a children's birthday party in Stockton, California, left four people dead and 11 others injured, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office. The incident occurred near a shopping plaza where about 15 people were shot. Authorities reported the deaths of three children, ages 8, 9, and 14, and a 21-year-old adult.

Officials stated that the victims were believed to have been attending the birthday party at a catering hall when the shooting began. Several injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals. Sutter Health Memorial Medical Center in Modesto confirmed that three injured adults from the event were receiving care.

Investigation and Law Enforcement Response

San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow said detectives were processing evidence from the scene on Sunday. He reported that multiple shooters may have been involved. No suspects were in custody as of Sunday afternoon.

Sheriff Withrow stated that the shooting appeared to be targeted. The district attorney for San Joaquin County, Ron Freitas, said that the Stockton Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, and other agencies were assisting with the investigation.

Community and State Response

A local faith group announced plans for a prayer vigil near the shooting site at around 3 p.m. on Sunday. The office of California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the Office of Emergency Services was monitoring the situation and coordinating with local law enforcement in Stockton.

Stockton, located in California's Central Valley, has a population of about 320,000. It sits roughly 50 miles south of Sacramento and 100 miles northeast of San Francisco.