A “targeted” shooting at a family birthday party in Stockton, California, left four victims dead and 11 others wounded on Saturday.
In a Saturday post on Facebook, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office explained that law enforcement officials received reports just prior to 6:00 p.m. of a shooting that took place near the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in Stockton.
In a Sunday update on social media, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 15 individuals “sustained gunshot wounds” during Saturday’s shooting incident. Law enforcement officials noted that four victims were killed, while 11 victims were injured. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office also confirmed that the deceased victims included an 8-year-old, a 9-year-old, a 14-year-old, and a 21-year-old.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said that detectives remained on the scene as of Sunday morning and were working with the California Department of Justice.
“This is still a very active and ongoing investigation, and information continues to develop,” the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office stated. “Early indications suggest this may have been a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities.”
“We are grateful for the information that has already been coming in from the community, and we ask that it continue. With the tips, video, and witness accounts provided so far, detectives are actively working on suspect descriptions and moving toward identifying and locating the individuals responsible for this horrific act,” the sheriff’s office added. “Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this devastating violence.”
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The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office encouraged anyone with information regarding Saturday’s incident to contact law enforcement as officials continue the investigation. According to Fox News, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said that early indications suggested that Saturday’s shooting “may have been a targeted incident.”
Fox News reported that the shooting occurred at a banquet hall that was being used for a family gathering.
In a post on Facebook following the shooting, Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee said, “I am devastated and angry to learn about the mass shooting at a child’s birthday party. A birthday party should never be a place where families fear for their lives.”
In a statement obtained by Fox News, San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said, “We are doing everything possible to bring the individual that’s responsible for this to justice.”
