California police search for suspect who killed four including three children at family party | California
Police are searching for the suspect who killed four people, including three children, and injured 11 others in a shooting at a family gathering in Stockton, Calif., on Saturday night and are appealing to the public for any tips people may have.
“If you have surveillance footage, are a local business here, are in the area, live in the area or perhaps have heard rumors, please contact the sheriff’s office,” San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Heather Brent said.
Investigators believe the attack was a targeted incident at a banquet hall where at least 100 people had gathered for a birthday celebration Saturday night, Brent said. He did not elaborate on why authorities believe this was intentional or who may have been targeted.
The deceased victims were ages eight, nine, 14 and 21 and were taken to local hospitals, Brent said.
“Finding the person or persons who committed this crime is the No. 1 priority,” Brent said.
“I’m confident that we will find these animals that did this and bring them to justice,” San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow said at a news conference late Sunday. Police are looking for many suspects. “From what we’ve gathered so far, it appears there was more than one shooter,” Withrow said.
Withrow said he knew at least one of the injured was in critical condition, but had no information about the others. According to local news station KCRA 3, three adults are in stable condition at the hospital.
The shooting occurred just before 6 p.m. Saturday at a banquet hall that shares its parking lot with other businesses. Stockton is a city of 320,000 about 45 miles south of Sacramento.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said detectives were “working to determine the circumstances that led to this tragedy.”
“This was a little boy’s birthday party and for this to happen is absolutely heartbreaking,” Brent told reporters.
District Attorney Ron Freitas calls on the shooter to “surrender immediately””.
“We urge anyone with information, video footage, or who witnessed any part of this incident to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office immediately,” police said.
Faith leaders in the Stockton area were planning to hold an afternoon vigil to honor the dead and pray for the injured.
In a post on social media from the office of California Governor Gavin Newsom, it was stated that a briefing was given about the attack. “Our hearts break for their families and the entire Stockton community,” Newsom said. sent later on Sunday.
“This is Thanksgiving weekend. This is the time when families come together, celebrate, share memories and give love to each other,” said Mayor Christina Fugazi. “Unfortunately tonight heaven is a little bigger with individuals, children and adults who sadly didn’t make it.”
