• Three children among four killed at banquet hall celebration Saturday evening.
• Investigators believe shooting was targeted; multiple suspects may be involved.
• $25,000 reward offered for information leading to arrest and conviction.

STOCKTON, CA (TDR) — Authorities in California are urging witnesses to come forward as the search for suspects in a deadly Stockton birthday party shooting stretched into a second day. Three children ages 8, 9, and 14 along with a 21-year-old were killed Saturday evening when gunfire erupted at a banquet hall where more than 100 people had gathered for a child’s celebration.

Gunfire Erupts at Family Celebration

The Stockton birthday party shooting occurred shortly before 6 p.m. at a banquet hall on the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in north Stockton. San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow said between 100 and 150 people were attending what investigators believe was a birthday party for a 2-year-old child when the violence unfolded. In addition to the four killed, 11 others were hospitalized with gunshot wounds, with at least one victim remaining in critical condition.

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Investigators believe the shooting began indoors and continued outside, where multiple vehicles displaying bullet holes were towed for processing as evidence. Firearms were also recovered from the roof of the banquet hall, though authorities have not confirmed whether they were connected to the attack.

Sheriff Calls for Community Assistance

Withrow characterized the attack as particularly brutal and made an impassioned plea for public cooperation during a Sunday news conference.

“These animals walked in and shot children at a children’s birthday party, and none of us should stand for that. This is a time for our community to show that we will not put up with this type of behavior.”

The sheriff expressed confidence that the shooting was not random and that the perpetrators likely targeted someone specific at the gathering. He said investigators believe multiple shooters may have been involved, though no arrests have been made directly connected to the attack.

Youngest Victim Identified as Local Student

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The Stockton Unified School District confirmed Sunday that the 8-year-old victim was a district student. Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez released a statement expressing deep sorrow and announcing that counselors and mental health clinicians would be available at all 55 school sites to support students processing the tragedy.

Mayor Christina Fugazi said the young victim had a parent who worked for the school district. In a strongly worded statement, Fugazi called the attack “a pure act of terrorism” and warned anyone harboring the suspects that they risk prosecution for aiding and abetting.

Reward Grows as Investigation Continues

A combined reward of $25,000 is now being offered for information leading to arrests and convictions. Crime Stoppers contributed $10,000, with Mayor Fugazi matching that amount and Councilwoman Mariela Ponce adding $5,000. The nonprofit Youth Peace & Justice Foundation announced an additional $5,000 contribution.

Multiple agencies are assisting the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, including the FBI, Stockton Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and several local departments. Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed and offered full state resources to support the investigation.

Anyone with information, video footage, or eyewitness accounts is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (209) 468-4400 or Stockton Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600 to leave an anonymous tip.

Will community cooperation help bring justice for these young victims and their families?

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