Stockton Mass Shooting: 4 Dead, 11 Injured at Child’s Birthday Party
A devastating mass shooting at a child’s birthday party in Stockton, California, has left four people dead and 11 others injured. The victims include three children aged 8, 9, and 14, along with a 21-year-old adult. The shooting occurred on Saturday, November 29, 2025, shortly before 6:00 PM at a banquet hall in the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue, where approximately 100 to 150 people had gathered to celebrate a 2-year-old’s birthday.
Interactive Incident Overview
Stockton Mass Shooting
Child’s Birthday Party Turns Deadly
Timeline of Events
Remembering the Victims
Investigation Status
Reward for Information
For information leading to arrest and conviction
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If you saw something, heard something, or have video footage—even if you think it’s minor—please contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. Every piece of information matters in solving this case.
Incident Location
Location Details
The shooting occurred at a banquet hall located in a shopping center that includes a Dairy Queen, a donut shop, and an Asian restaurant. Stockton is a city of approximately 320,000 residents in California’s Central Valley.
Voices from the Community
Community Response
Stockton Context
Stockton, a city of approximately 320,000 residents in California’s Central Valley, has struggled with gun violence in recent years. In 2024, the city recorded 54 homicides—significantly higher than the state average. As of October 2025, there had been 34 homicides, indicating some improvement.
This shooting echoes a previous mass shooting in Northern California that devastated communities. Similar to other incidents of celebration turning to tragedy, families gathered for a joyous occasion only to experience unimaginable violence.
Mayor Fugazi noted that families should be together celebrating Thanksgiving weekend, “not at the hospital standing next to their loved one, praying that they survive.” The incident has prompted renewed calls for action to address gun violence across the United States.
Investigation and Community Response
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the FBI, ATF, Stockton Police Department, Manteca Police Department, and other agencies. Sheriff Patrick Withrow described the perpetrators as “animals” and urged anyone with information, even minor details or rumors, to come forward.
Authorities have discovered firearms on the roof of the banquet hall, though it remains unclear whether these weapons were used in the shooting. Investigators believe the attack was targeted and that there were multiple shooters involved, as the gunfire began inside the hall and continued outside.
Mayor Christina Fugazi described the shooting as “group gang violence,” though the sheriff’s office has not officially confirmed this classification. She expressed deep anguish over the young victims: “They should be writing their Christmas lists right now. Their parents should be out shopping for them for Christmas. And to think that their lives are over. I can’t even begin to imagine what these families are going through”.
Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the incident and offered the full support of the state of California to aid the community. His office stated, “Today, local authorities confirmed the victims of the Stockton shooting were just 8, 9, 14, and 21 years old — and that the attack was likely targeted. Our hearts break for their families and the entire Stockton community”.
The community has rallied in response to the tragedy. Faith in the Valley organized a prayer vigil, with Central United Methodist Church senior pastor Ella Luna-Garza leading community members in mourning. Stockton Unified School District confirmed that one of the deceased children was a student whose parent worked as a teacher in the district, and counseling services have been made available at all 55 schools.
A total reward of $30,000 has been offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction, with contributions from Crime Stoppers ($10,000), the Mayor’s Office ($10,000), Councilwoman Mariela Ponce’s office ($5,000), and the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation ($5,000). Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600.
Victims and Hospital Treatment
Among the deceased was 21-year-old Susano Archuleta, identified by his aunt Patricia Flores. She described him as “a good kid” who attended the party to celebrate his friend’s daughter’s birthday. Flores, who lost her nephew in the violence, expressed her grief and disbelief: “Why would somebody want to do that? If you’re angry, why would you take it out on innocent people who have nothing to do with whatever problem it is?”
The 8-year-old victim was a student at Stockton Unified School District, and their parent worked as a teacher in the district. The other child victims were 9 and 14 years old.
Eleven injured victims were transported to area hospitals. Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton received three patients: two adults (one with minor injuries and another requiring surgery) and a 9-year-old pediatric patient in fair condition. Sutter Memorial Hospital in Modesto also confirmed treating victims but did not immediately disclose the number of patients or their conditions. At least one person remains in critical condition.
Context and Previous Violence
Stockton, located approximately 45 miles south of Sacramento and 80 miles east of San Francisco, has experienced persistent gun violence. In 2024, the city recorded 54 homicides—significantly higher than the state average—though the rate had decreased to 34 by October 2025. Mayor Fugazi referenced a previous mass shooting in Stockton where seven people were killed, stating that both events are “intolerable”.
This tragedy mirrors other recent incidents of celebrations turning to tragedy and adds to the ongoing crisis of gun violence in the United States.
The investigation remains active with no arrests made as of Monday, December 1, 2025. Authorities continue to search for the suspect or suspects responsible for this devastating attack on a family celebration.
