California police on the lookout for suspect following deaths of 3 children at party

Police in California continued their investigation on Monday, December 1, to identify the individual responsible for a shooting at a childs birthday celebration over the weekend. The attack resulted in four fatalities and left 11 others injured.

The incident took place at a banquet hall in Stockton, California, where more than 100 guests were attending the party. San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow noted that the shooting may have involved multiple attackers and appeared to be a deliberate act, though he did not provide further details.

Among those killed were three children, aged 8, 9, and 14, along with a 21-year-old adult. Several of the 11 injured victims, including children, were hospitalized, and at least one person remained in critical condition.

Investigation and Public Appeal

Law enforcement responded to the scene shortly before 6 p.m. on November 29, when reports of gunfire at the banquet hall first emerged. Approximately 150 people were present at the party. Authorities indicated that the gunfire began indoors and later extended outside the building. Multiple vehicles at the scene showed bullet damage, and several firearms were recovered from the roof, though their connection to the shooting remains unclear.

Sheriff Withrow emphasized that the attack seemed targeted rather than random. We are confident this was not a random act, he said. They entered this location likely seeking a specific individual. The reasons behind this, and their identities, are still unknown.

In the wake of the tragedy, officials are requesting assistance from the public, including any cell phone footage or eyewitness accounts. We urge anyone with information to come forward, Withrow stated at a press briefing on Sunday, November 30. Our community will not tolerate violence where children are harmed.

Current Status

The suspect remains at large, and authorities have not released the names of the victims. Governor Gavin Newsom described the shooting as horrific. Investigators continue to process the scene and gather evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.

Author: Sophia Brooks