The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office received a report about 6 p.m. regarding a shooting in the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue. (Jaden Schaul)
STOCKTON, Calif. - Four people were killed – three of them children – and several more were injured in a shooting at a child's birthday party in Stockton on Saturday.
What we know:
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office received a report about 6 p.m. regarding a shooting in the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue.
Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee said on Facebook that the shooting occurred at a child's birthday party, and initially reported that the party was taking place at an ice cream shop in the area. However, sheriff's officials later clarified that the party and shooting occurred at a banquet hall on Lucile Avenue near Thornton Road.
At least four people were killed – three of them children – and 11 more were injured. (Jaden Schaul)
"Tonight, my heart is heavy in a way that’s hard to put into words. As Vice Mayor of Stockton — and as someone who grew up in this community — I am devastated and angry to learn about the mass shooting at a child’s birthday party," Lee said.
Heather Brent of the SJCSO initially said at a Saturday evening press conference that 14 people in total were shot at the scene. Of those 14, four were reported to have died of their injuries.
However, the SJCSO later said on Sunday morning that 15 people in total had been wounded, and of the four people killed, three were children aged 8, 9 and 14. The fourth person killed was 21 years old. SJCSO Sheriff Patrick Withrow added at a Sunday afternoon press conference that at least one of the wounded was in critical condition.
Withrow also said that there "appear[ed] to be multiple shooters," and that the shooting began indoors before moving outside.
"Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this devastating violence," the SJCSO said
Brent added that a preliminary investigation indicated that the shooting "may have been a targeted incident."
"I am in contact with staff and public safety officials to understand exactly what happened, and I will be pushing for answers. Our community deserves to know the truth, and the families impacted deserve justice and every resource available to support them," Lee said.
Mourners gathered at the site of the shooting to pay respects to the victims. (Jaden Schaul)
What we don't know:
The suspect or suspects in the shooting were still being sought, and a possible motive for the crime was not immediately known.
SJCSO units are at the scene, and urged anyone with information to contact the department.