Police in California have issued an urgent plea for information as the search continues for a suspect in a mass shooting that killed four people, including three children, at a family birthday party.
A Community in Mourning After Targeted Attack
The shooting occurred on Saturday at a banquet hall in the city of Stockton, located roughly 80 miles east of San Francisco. According to San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow, gunfire erupted during a gathering of approximately 100 people celebrating a child's second birthday.
The victims were identified as three children aged eight, nine, and 14, and a 21-year-old man. Eleven other individuals were wounded, with at least one reported to be in a critical condition. Sheriff's spokesperson Heather Brent stated that investigators believe the incident was "targeted", though officials have not elaborated on a potential motive or intended target.
Authorities Appeal for Witnesses and Information
By Sunday evening, no arrests had been made in connection with the killings. Sheriff Withrow made a direct appeal to the community, urging anyone with details, cellphone footage, or witness accounts to come forward.
"This is a time for our community to show that we will not put up with this type of behaviour," Withrow said. "If you know anything about this, you have to come forward... If not, you just become complacent and think this is acceptable behaviour." Investigators have indicated they are exploring the possibility of multiple shooters, with the gunfire continuing outside the hall.
Families Devastated by Senseless Violence
Roscoe Brown, an employee of Stockton's Office of Violence Prevention, said the party was for his brother's granddaughter. He revealed that a niece and nephew of his were among those shot. "Who would come and do that to some kids, you know?" Brown asked. "You can't shoot up a party. That's senseless. A kid's party, at that."
Emmanuel Lopez confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that his 21-year-old brother, Susano Archuleta, was killed. His own nine-year-old daughter was shot in the head but survived the attack.
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi expressed profound sorrow, noting that the eight-year-old victim attended a local school and had a parent working for the school district. "They should be writing their Christmas lists right now," Fugazi said. "To think that their lives are over... breaks my heart." Counsellors will be made available in city schools this week.
Context of Violence in Stockton
Stockton, a city of 320,000 residents, has struggled with gun violence. Its homicide rate for 2024 was significantly higher than the state average. In a separate incident hours after the party shooting, Stockton police arrested five people on weapons and gang-related charges, though the sheriff stated there was no indication these arrests were connected to the banquet hall killings.
The investigation remains active, with authorities desperate for any lead that could identify those responsible for the tragedy.
