A child’s birthday celebration in Stockton, California became the scene of unspeakable horror when a gunman opened fire during Thanksgiving weekend, killing three children and shattering a community that had finally begun to see hope in reducing violent crime.
Story Snapshot
- Four people killed and at least 10 injured in targeted shooting at child’s birthday party in Stockton, California
- Three of the four victims were children aged 8, 9, and 14; fourth victim was 21 years old
- Shooting occurred during Thanksgiving weekend at banquet hall, with suspect still at large
- Incident reverses Stockton’s 2025 crime reduction trend showing 34% decrease in homicides
- Multi-agency investigation treating attack as targeted rather than random violence
Terror Strikes During Holiday Celebration
The gunman struck just before 6 p.m. on November 29, 2025, at a banquet hall on Lucile Avenue while families gathered to celebrate a child’s birthday. Within minutes, emergency dispatchers were flooded with 911 calls reporting gunfire at the strip mall location near a Dairy Queen. Deputies arrived to find shooting victims scattered in the parking lot amid panicked families.
Approximately 14 people were struck by gunfire during the attack. The suspect, described as roughly 5-foot-6 inches tall wearing black pants, remains at large despite police pursuing two male suspects immediately after the shooting. The FBI has joined the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office in what officials are calling a targeted attack rather than random violence.
Community Leaders Demand Justice
San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas issued a direct plea to the public and the perpetrator: “The individual responsible is still outstanding. If you have any information as to this individual, reach out immediately. If you are this individual, turn yourself in immediately.” His urgent tone reflects the gravity of an attack that specifically targeted children during a family celebration.
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi captured the community’s anguish in her statement: “This is Thanksgiving weekend. This is when families come together. Stockton is better than this.” Vice Mayor Jason Lee expressed the weight of the tragedy on social media, describing his heart as “heavy in a way that’s hard to put into words” while promising to push for answers.
Progress Shattered by Violence
The shooting represents a devastating setback for Stockton, a Central Valley community of 320,000 that had celebrated significant crime reduction in 2025. According to July reports, homicides had fallen 34% in the first six months compared to 2024, with solved cases increasing substantially. The Stockton Crime Stoppers program had contributed to this success, paying out $44,000 in rewards following arrests.
This progress makes the birthday party massacre particularly heartbreaking for residents who had begun to feel safer in their community. The attack specifically targeted the most vulnerable victims during a time traditionally associated with family unity and gratitude, striking at the core of what makes communities strong and resilient.
Sources:
2025 Stockton shooting – Wikipedia
Four dead after shooting at family event in Stockton – Los Angeles Times
