A mass shooting at a child’s birthday party in Stockton, California, resulted in four deaths and 11 injuries on Saturday evening. The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. at the Monkey Space banquet hall, located in an unincorporated area of San Joaquin County north of Stockton city limits.
San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow stated, “Our units responded and found approximately 15 victims of gunshot wounds at this party. And, unfortunately, four of those 15 are deceased.” He added that the shooting appeared to begin inside the hall before moving outdoors: “It appears that it started indoors and then worked its way outdoors.”
The victims included children aged 8, 9, and 14, as well as a 21-year-old adult. The county has not released their names out of respect for the families and at investigators’ request. However, family members have identified some victims publicly. Emmanuel Lopez told the Los Angeles Times that his brother Susano Archuleta was killed after being shot in the neck; Lopez’s nine-year-old daughter was also shot but survived.
Stockton Unified School District officials confirmed one victim was an eight-year-old student from their district. Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that one of the victims of last night’s tragic mass shooting was a Stockton Unified School District student… We hold this student’s family in our hearts, and we grieve alongside them and our entire community.” Another victim was identified by relatives on social media as a Modesto eighth-grader.
Of those injured or wounded—eleven people—three were transported to Sutter Memorial Hospital in Modesto and were reported stable Sunday morning.
At least 100 to 150 guests attended the party when gunfire erupted. Witnesses described confusion as attendees fled toward nearby businesses within The Outpost shopping center complex.
Authorities have not arrested any suspects but believe more than one shooter may have been involved. Sheriff Withrow explained: “We believe, from what we’ve gathered so far, that it appears to be multiple shooters… As we gather the evidence … we’ll find out whether there was one gun or multiple guns.” Investigators are reviewing video footage and witness statements while processing physical evidence from several vehicles removed from the scene.
While no motive has been confirmed publicly, law enforcement believes the attack was targeted rather than random. Withrow said: “We’re confident this was not a random act… They walked into this area and (were) probably looking for somebody in particular.” He declined to confirm initial reports describing it as gang-related.
Rumors circulated online about local rappers MBNel (Jhonel Dongon) and Fly Boy Doughy possibly being present or targeted during the attack; these claims remain unconfirmed by authorities.
The investigation is led by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office with support from federal agencies including ATF and FBI. A reward totaling $25,000 is offered for information leading to arrests; Crime Stoppers posted $10,000 with matching funds pledged by Mayor Christina Fugazi and Councilmember Mariela Ponce.
Community leaders held a vigil near Thornton Road on Sunday afternoon where faith leaders called for unity against violence. Pastor Leon Scoggins said: “I’m mad as hell that an 8-year-old, that a 9-year-old, that a 14-year-old, that a 21-year-old was killed in our city… But we’re going to leave and say ‘Devil you will not have this city.’”
Vice Mayor Jason Lee urged residents against retaliation: “It’s human to want to hurt people who hurt people you love… I hope that the people out there in our community make the right choice and contact law enforcement.”
Mayor Fugazi condemned the violence: “Stockton is better than this,” she said. She encouraged anyone with information to contact authorities anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Elected officials including Rep. Josh Harder (D-Tracy), Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Tracy), Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, and San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas expressed condolences while pledging support for ongoing investigations.
Authorities continue urging witnesses or anyone with video evidence—even if minor—to come forward by contacting either San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office or Stockton Crime Stoppers.
