STOCKTON, Calif. (AP) — Authorities are asking the public for tips in finding the person responsible for a shooting that left four people dead at a family gathering at a banquet hall in Stockton and wounded many more on Saturday night.
Faith leaders in the Stockton area planned an afternoon vigil Sunday to honor the dead and pray for the 11 people who were wounded.
The victims who died ranged in age from eight to 21, said Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County sheriff’s office. Early indications “suggest this may have been a targeted incident,” Brent said during a news conference at the scene.
Local officials said the suspected shooter has not been caught and pleaded with the public for help. Detectives were still working to identify a possible motive.
“If you have any information as to this individual, reach out immediately. If you are this individual, turn yourself in immediately,” San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said.
The shooting occurred just before 6 p.m. inside the banquet hall, which shares a parking lot with other businesses. Stockton is a city of 320,000 about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Sacramento.
Jason Lee, vice mayor and city council member, said the hall was hosting a child's birthday party, according to his Facebook post.
“This is Thanksgiving weekend. This is when families come together, celebrate, share memories, give each other love,” Mayor Christina Fugazi said. “Unfortunately tonight, heaven is a little bigger with the individuals, children and adults that unfortunately did not make it.”
Fugazi recalled a shooting several years ago in which “seven people were gunned down” in the city, adding that both attacks were “unacceptable.”
“Stockton is better than this,” she said.
Authorities did not immediately provide additional information about the conditions of the victims.
“Families should be together instead of at the hospital, standing next to their loved one, praying that they survive,” Fugazi said
