BREAKING: A deadly shooting at a family gathering in Stockton has left four people dead and 10 others wounded, according to officials from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. on July 15, 2023, at a banquet hall that serves as a venue for community events.
The victims, which include both children and adults, are currently receiving medical attention, although the specific conditions of the injured have not been disclosed. Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, indicated that early indications suggest this may have been a targeted incident.
Authorities are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating the suspected shooter, who remains at large. “If you have any information about this individual, reach out immediately. If you are this individual, turn yourself in immediately,” stated San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas during a news conference at the scene.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the community, with Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazzi expressing her heartbreak: “Families should be together instead of at the hospital, standing next to their loved one, praying that they survive.”
This tragic event adds to Stockton’s troubling history with gun violence, which includes the unsolved 2024 murder of Carlos Honable, who was shot while sitting in his car. Furthermore, the city is still grappling with the legacy of the 1989 Cleveland Elementary School shooting, a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding gun safety in the region.
Local officials have pledged to enhance efforts to address the growing concerns over safety and violence. As investigations continue, authorities will work to identify a possible motive behind the shooting, which has left the community reeling.
NEXT STEPS: Investigators are appealing for any eyewitness accounts or evidence related to the shooting. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. With emotions running high and the community in mourning, the focus now shifts to supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
