In Stockton, California, authorities are appealing to the public for help in finding the person or people responsible for a tragic shooting at a child’s birthday party. The incident took place at a banquet hall, leaving three children, ages 8, 9, and 14, along with a 21-year-old, dead.
Sheriff Patrick Withrow of San Joaquin County expressed his concern about the violence, and he emphasized the importance of the community working together with law enforcement. Eleven others were wounded in the shooting.
“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,” Sheriff Withrow stated. He urged anyone with information, including cellphone video or witness accounts, to contact his office.
While the investigation is ongoing, law enforcement officials said they believe the shooting was a “targeted incident,” but haven’t yet revealed who the target was.
Roscoe Brown, who works for the city’s Office of Violence Prevention, was deeply affected by the tragedy, as two of his relatives were shot. He lamented the senseless violence and the impact on the children involved.
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi voiced her sorrow for the young lives lost. She highlighted the innocence of childhood and the devastating impact on the families.
