Three children among four killed in shooting at ‘birthday party’ in California
A child’s birthday party, typically a joyous and celebratory occasion, turned into a scene of unimaginable tragedy on Saturday night when a mass shooting occurred, leaving three children and one adult dead, and 11 others wounded, with the suspected shooter still at large.
The incident in Stockton, California, adds to a growing list of American communities whose ordinary spaces, including schools, shopping centers, bars, and office buildings, have been affected by gun violence.
Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that both children and adults were among those shot. Officials did not immediately release the conditions of those taken to area hospitals.
“Early indications suggest this may have been a targeted incident,” Brent said at a news conference. “This is a very active and ongoing investigation, and information remains limited,” she said.
According to Sheriff Brent, the victims were aged 8, 9, 14, and 21.
The authorities have yet to release their names. On Sunday, Sheriff Patrick Withrow appealed to the community to provide any information they may have regarding the shooting, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
Withrow expressed confidence in his team’s ability to bring the perpetrators to justice, but emphasized the need for public assistance.
The shooting occurred shortly before 6 p.m. in the northern part of the city, as reported by the sheriff’s office.
The banquet hall, which shares a parking lot with several businesses, including a Dairy Queen, was hosting a family celebration, reportedly a birthday party for a young child, with 100 to 150 attendees, according to Brent. Stockton is located approximately 40 miles south of Sacramento.
SOURCE: CNN
