A birthday party for a 2-year-old in Stockton ended in tragedy on Saturday when a mass shooting left four people dead, including three children, and wounded 11 others. The incident took place just before 6 p.m. at a banquet hall located at 1937 Lucile Ave., in an unincorporated area of the city.
On Monday morning, remnants of the celebration remained visible in the parking lot—cups labeled “Nalayah’s 2nd Birthday” and half-eaten food were left behind as authorities continued their investigation. The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information related to the shooting.
Patrice Williams, who identified herself as Nalayah’s mother, spoke briefly outside San Joaquin Superior Court on Monday. “That was my family,” Williams said. She confirmed that at least one family member had died and others were injured but declined to provide names. “I just really ask for comfort,” she added.
Community members have been stopping by the scene to pay their respects with flowers and prayers near the Monkey Space meeting hall at The Outpost shopping center off Thornton Avenue. A small vigil has formed outside the building, which was marked by dozens of bullet holes.
Behind the hall, evidence of violence persisted: blood stains next to soda cans and balloons, along with a pink inflatable unicorn covered in blood.
Truong Nguyentan, owner of a nearby tax services business and resident of Stockton for 13 years, commented on crime in the city: “Right now, in Stockton, (there’s) too much crime.”
Stockton is home to about 300,000 residents and has struggled with violent crime over many years. In 2024, there were 54 homicides reported—slightly above California’s state average according to data reviewed by local news outlet Stocktonia (https://stocktonia.org/).
Brandon Hernandez lives across from where the shooting occurred. He described working on his garage door when he heard what he initially thought were fireworks from the party but soon realized it was gunfire as people began running and screaming. Hernandez said he hid with his girlfriend during what he estimated was seven or eight minutes of shooting from multiple directions. Bullet holes were visible across his house; one round broke through into his backyard.
“I haven’t slept here since,” Hernandez said in Spanish. “I don’t feel safe knowing what happened.”
Authorities have not released details about suspects or motives but indicated they do not believe it was a random attack. Both Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi and San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow urged patience while evidence is being gathered.
Williams said she did not know why this happened when asked if she had any idea about possible motives or rumors circulating online about gang involvement: “I don’t really know anything at all.”
Near the end of her interview with another news agency Williams offered an apology: “All I can say is that I’m sorry to all the mothers and children out there,” she said. “If I could do anything to prevent this, I would.”
