Four Killed, Ten Injured in Shooting at Child’s Birthday Party

Four individuals lost their lives and ten others sustained injuries during a shooting at a child’s birthday party in a banquet hall in Stockton, California, on March 23, 2024. According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the tragic incident occurred just before 18:00 local time. The victims included both children and adults, indicating the devastating impact of the violence on the community.

Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, provided insights into the ongoing investigation during a news conference at the scene. She indicated that preliminary findings suggest this incident may have been targeted. Authorities have not yet apprehended the suspected assailant and are appealing to the public for assistance in the investigation.

At the press briefing, Ron Freitas, the San Joaquin County District Attorney, urged anyone with information regarding the shooter to come forward. “If you have any information as to this individual, reach out immediately. If you are this individual, turn yourself in immediately,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of public cooperation.

The shooting unfolded inside the banquet hall, which shares a parking lot with other businesses in the area. Stockton, a city with a population of approximately 320,000, is located about 40 miles south of Sacramento. According to local officials, the gathering was a family celebration, and the incident has left the community in shock.

Stockton’s Vice Mayor Jason Lee expressed his concern in a Facebook post, stating, “I am in contact with staff and public safety officials to understand exactly what happened, and I will be pushing for answers.”

Law enforcement received multiple reports of the shooting shortly before 18:00, near the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in Stockton, approximately 50 miles east of San Francisco. As of now, authorities have not disclosed additional information regarding the victims’ conditions, although several were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

The incident marks a tragic event in a family setting, raising significant concerns about public safety and the prevalence of gun violence. Local officials are working diligently to gather more information and provide support to the affected families during this challenging time.