Investigators call on witnesses of California child's party shooting to step forward

STOCKTON, Calif. California authorities are urging anyone with information about a fatal shooting at a childs birthday celebration to step forward as the search for the suspect continues.

Three children, aged 8, 9, and 14, along with a 21-year-old, were killed on Saturday when gunfire erupted at a Stockton banquet hall attended by over 100 people, according to San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow. Investigators suspect the shooting continued outside, possibly involving multiple gunmen. Additionally, eleven individuals sustained injuries, with at least one in critical condition.

By Sunday evening, no arrests had been made, and Sheriff Withrow encouraged witnesses to provide tips, videos, or accounts to law enforcement. Our community cannot tolerate people walking in and taking the lives of children, Withrow stated. If you have information, you must share it. Staying silent makes this behavior seem acceptable.

Sheriff's spokesperson Heather Brent noted that the incident appears to have been targeted, though officials have not disclosed the motive or potential targets. Investigators are seeking any leads, including rumors.

Roscoe Brown, whose brothers granddaughter was celebrating her second birthday at the party and remained unharmed, rushed from Arizona upon learning of the shooting. Brown, affiliated with Stocktons Office of Violence Prevention, revealed that a niece and nephew were among those injured. Who would attack children like this? A party for kids should never end like this, he said during a vigil organized by local faith leaders.

Emmanuel Lopez told the Los Angeles Times that his 21-year-old brother, Susano Archuleta, was shot in the neck and died at the scene, while Lopezs 9-year-old daughter survived a gunshot to the head. He did not provide further details on the circumstances leading to the attack.

Stockton, a city of approximately 320,000 located 80 miles east of San Francisco, has seen a significantly higher homicide rate than the California average, recording 54 homicides in 2024. As of October, the city had reported 34 homicides this year.

Hours after the incident, the Stockton Police Department arrested five individuals, including a juvenile, on weapons and gang-related charges. Sheriff Withrow clarified that these arrests are not believed to be connected to the banquet hall shooting.

Mayor Christina Fugazi highlighted the tragedy of the young victims, noting that the 8-year-old attended a local school and had a parent employed by the Stockton Unified School District. She confirmed that counselors would be available in schools this week. They should be making holiday lists, not facing death. My heart goes out to these families, Fugazi said.

Author: Sophia Brooks