Three children and an adult were killed during a mass shooting at a child’s birthday party in Stockton, California, a tragedy described by police as “a targeted incident”
Police have today begged for the public to come forward with information — including RUMOURS — after three children were shot dead at a birthday party.
Officers continue to search for the gunman after the kids, aged eight, nine and fourteen, and a young man were killed at a banquet hall on Saturday night. More than 100 people had gathered there in Stockton, California, to celebrate a child’s birthday when the offender struck in what police say was “a targeted incident”.
But they remain on the run and now police are keen for any tip-offs, including hearsay, as they try to establish the killer’s whereabouts. Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County sheriff’s office, said tonight: “It’s heartbreaking… If you have surveillance footage, if you’re a local business here, if you’re in the area, live in the area, or maybe you’ve heard rumors — please contact the sheriff’s office.”
The adult who died was a 21-year-old man, police in Stockton added. Eleven people were also wounded in the horror. The city remains in mourning today.
READ MORE: Stockton shooting all we know as four dead and 10 injured with suspect at largeREAD MORE: Woman dumped ex after he choked her – then shot her parents as they moved her out
Ms Brent said she could not release information about a motive or details about a suspect, noting that it might hinder the investigation. The police spokesperson continued: “Finding the person or persons who committed this crime is the number one priority.”
Faith leaders in Stockton are planning a vigil to honour the dead and pray for the wounded. The shooting occurred just before 6pm Saturday inside the hall, which shares a parking lot with other businesses. Stockton is a city of 320,000 residents, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of Sacramento.
“This was a birthday party for a young child, and the fact that this happened is absolutely heartbreaking,” Ms Brent told reporters today. District Attorney Ron Freitas urged the shooter to “turn yourself in immediately.”
Speaking on Saturday, Mayor Christina Fugazi said: “This is Thanksgiving weekend. This is when families come together, celebrate, share memories, give each other love. Unfortunately tonight, heaven is a little bigger with the individuals, children and adults that unfortunately did not make it.”
In 2024, Stockton had many more homicides — 54 — than other California cities of similar size, but the rate was down through October of this year, according to city data. Ms Fugazi recalled a shooting several years ago in which “seven people were gunned down” in the city.
“Stockton is better than this. … Families should be together instead of at the hospital, standing next to their loved one, praying that they survive,” Ms Fugazi said.
