Stockton Birthday Party Mass Shooting Leaves Four Dead, Community Reeling

A children’s birthday party in Stockton, California, turned into a massacre. Gunfire erupted at a banquet hall on Lucile Avenue this past Saturday evening. Four people were killed, including three children.

Eleven others were injured in the violence. The shooting has shattered a family’s celebration and left an entire community in mourning.

Mother Recalls Moment Joy Turned to Terror

Patrice Williams was hosting the party for her two-year-old daughter. She told the Associated Press they were about to cut the cake. Then, the first shots rang out.

Williams initially thought the sounds were balloons popping. She quickly realized the terrible truth. “Everybody just dove to the ground,” she said. “It was just unexpected.”

The victims included an 8-year-old, a 9-year-old, a 14-year-old, and a 21-year-old. The 14-year-old was identified by family as Amari Peterson. Eleven people aged 8 to 30 were wounded.

Williams’ own family was heavily impacted. Her daughter’s father lost two nieces. Williams said her sister, cousin, and friends were among those shot. Her young daughter was unharmed physically.

Authorities Pursue Leads in Targeted Attack

The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. A spokesperson confirmed the incident appears targeted. Over 100 people were estimated to be inside the hall at the time.

The family has no clear motive for the attack. They are pleading for information. “If you have any idea who pulled up and robbed us, stole from us, and took from us, lives. Tell it,” said family member Berniece Bass to ABC10.

Officials are urging anyone with information to come forward. This includes local residents or businesses with surveillance footage. No suspect details have been released publicly.

The community is now left to grapple with the profound loss. Williams, who works at a youth center, shared a painful warning for other parents. She advised caution, stating a “bullet doesn’t have a name.”

This Stockton shooting has highlighted the terrifying randomness of gun violence. The search for the perpetrator continues as families begin the long process of grieving their unimaginable loss.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: How many people were killed in the Stockton party shooting?

Four people were killed. The victims were three children and one young adult. Their ages were 8, 9, 14, and 21.

Q2: Has a suspect been arrested?

No suspect has been arrested at this time. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating. They have asked the public for any relevant tips or footage.

Q3: How many people were at the birthday party?

Authorities estimate over 100 people were gathered at the banquet hall. The party was for a two-year-old girl. It was a large family celebration.

Q4: What has the family of the host said?

The host, Patrice Williams, expressed deep shock and sorrow. She apologized to the mothers who lost children at her party. Family members described the shooter as someone who “robbed” and “destroyed” families.

Q5: Where did the Stockton shooting take place?

The shooting occurred at a banquet hall. The location was along the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in Stockton, California. The incident happened just before 6 p.m. on a Saturday.