A group of family and friends gathered for a child’s birthday party in Stockton, California, on November 29, 2025. They planned on an evening of fun and celebration, but things took a deadly turn. Shots rang out at the banquet hall on Lucile Avenue at around 6 p.m. Deputies from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene swiftly, but it was too late. Four people died in the shooting — including three children — and 11 others suffered gunshot wounds. Now, police want the public’s help identifying a suspect.
Per CBS News, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Heather Brent said between 100 and 150 people gathered for the celebration. It appears an argument erupted inside the building and carried on outside, with multiple people shooting.
The sheriff’s department issued a news release identifying victims only by age. “It is now confirmed that a total of 15 individuals sustained gunshot wounds during the incident. Four victims have been confirmed deceased. The ages of the deceased are 8, 9, 14, and 21 years old,” police explained.
Authorities claimed the incident appeared targeted and asked the public for help identifying anyone who was involved.
Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee asked his community to put aside their differences and help police solve this devastating crime.
“At this time, I am waiting to speak directly with the families before posting anything further. This moment is not about politics — it’s about people. It’s about children, parents, and an entire community trying to make sense of something that should never have happened. We must come together — community, council, and leadership — to support these families and help bring closure, accountability, and healing,” he wrote on Facebook.
Mayor Christina Fugazi also released a statement about the shooting and her hope for harsh punishment for those responsible.
“And let us call this what it is. Gang violence exists in cities across the country, but this act was a pure act of terrorism. A complete, cowardly Terrorist Act!” Fugazi shared. “The person or people responsible will lose their freedom for life. But they also handed out a life sentence to their own families and to the people who may have loved them. Because once they are arrested, they will NEVER see the light of day again!”
Per the mayor, the combined funds from Crimestoppers and other donors will award $25,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. Anyone with information should contact the police.
We can’t imagine an adult argument being so important that a person would start shooting at a child’s birthday party. Gun violence is totally out of control, and when families can’t even feel safe getting together to celebrate a child, it’s clear we need significant changes.
