A child’s birthday celebration at a Stockton, California strip-mall turned into a tragedy Saturday evening when gunfire erupted, leaving four people dead and ten others wounded, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were called to the scene around 6 p.m., where a family-friendly gathering had suddenly transformed into chaos inside a small commercial center. Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee later confirmed the shooting took place during a young child’s birthday party.
Authorities say approximately 14 people were hit by gunfire, including both children and adults. While the sheriff’s office has not officially confirmed which of the deceased were minors, both San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas and Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi stated that children are believed to be among those killed.
San Joaquin County Sheriff’s spokesperson Heather Brent called the event “heartbreaking,” adding that early evidence suggests the attack may have been targeted, though the motive is still unknown. Detectives continued combing through the scene late into the night.
Officials have not yet released updates on the condition of the survivors, but several victims were rushed to local hospitals for emergency treatment.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
