STOCKTON, Calif. — Authorities are calling for witnesses to step forward following a tragic shooting at a child’s birthday party in Stockton that left three children and one adult dead. The incident occurred Saturday evening at a banquet hall where over 100 people were gathered to celebrate a second birthday.

San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow reported that the shooting began shortly after 6 p.m. local time. The victims included children aged 8, 9, and 14, along with a 21-year-old man. Eleven others were injured, with at least one person in critical condition. As of Sunday evening, no suspects were in custody.

Sheriff Withrow emphasized the need for community cooperation, stating, "This is a time for our community to show that we will not put up with this type of behavior, when people will just walk in and kill children. If you know anything about this, you have to come forward and tell us what you know."

Investigators believe the shooting may have involved multiple shooters and continued outside the venue. Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, described the incident as a "targeted attack," although details about the motive or intended targets remain unclear. Brent encouraged anyone with information, including rumors, to contact law enforcement.

Roscoe Brown, who was at the party to celebrate his brother’s granddaughter, expressed his disbelief at the violence. "Who would come and do that to some kids, you know? You can’t shoot up a party. That’s senseless. A kid’s party, at that," he said. Brown’s niece and nephew were among those shot, but he did not have updates on their conditions.

Emmanuel Lopez shared that his brother, 21-year-old Susano Archuleta, was killed in the shooting. Lopez’s 9-year-old daughter was also shot but survived. He did not provide further details about the events leading up to the shooting.

The city of Stockton, with a population of approximately 320,000, has seen a rise in violence, recording 54 homicides in 2024, significantly above the state average. Following the shooting, police arrested five individuals on weapons and gang-related charges, but there is no indication that these arrests are connected to the banquet hall incident.

Mayor Christina Fugazi expressed her sorrow over the young victims, noting that one of the deceased children attended a local school. She announced that counselors would be available in schools this week to support grieving families. "They should be writing their Christmas lists right now. Their parents should be out shopping for them for Christmas. And to think that their lives are over. I can’t even begin to imagine what these families are going through. Breaks my heart," Fugazi said.

District Attorney Ron Freitas urged the shooter to turn themselves in, promising full accountability for the crime. "Children should not be harmed by gun or gang violence," he stated.

As the investigation continues, authorities are grateful for the community's response and the information already received. The sheriff's office is working closely with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and identify suspects.

The community remains in shock as they mourn the loss of young lives and seek justice for the victims of this senseless act of violence.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are appealing for any tips or video footage that could assist in solving this case.