Three children under 14 murdered in ‘targeted’ shooting at family birthday party in Stockton, CA

Deputies said they began receiving 911 calls shortly before 6 pm at a banquet hall that sits in a small commercial strip about 50 miles east of San Francisco. When first responders arrived, they found multiple victims inside the venue, which had been rented out for a child’s birthday celebration.

San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed on social media that “approximately 14 individuals were struck by gunfire, and four victims have been confirmed deceased.” Officials added that details remain limited as detectives work through witness statements and evidence from the scene.

Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, said the victims who died were between eight and 21 years old and were taken to nearby hospitals. “What we have confirmed at this time is that there was a banquet hall where a family was celebrating,” she said.

Authorities said investigators are exploring whether the shooting was targeted. “Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities,” the sheriff’s office noted.

Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee said in a Facebook post that the event was a child’s birthday party. “I am in contact with staff and public safety officials to understand exactly what happened, and I will be pushing for answers,” he wrote.

Officials said several surviving victims were transported to hospitals, though their conditions were not immediately released. Detectives continued interviewing attendees late into the night and reviewing video from nearby businesses in the shared parking lot.

The sheriff’s office urged the public to come forward with any information. “We are urging anyone with information, video footage, or who may have witnessed any part of this incident to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office immediately,” authorities said.

Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said he had been briefed on the shooting.

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi called the violence especially painful during the holiday stretch. “This is Thanksgiving weekend. This is when families come together, celebrate, share memories, give each other love,” she said. “Unfortunately tonight, heaven is a little bigger with the individuals, children and adults that unfortunately did not make it.”