STOCKTON MASS SHOOTING

New York Post

 

Deadly mass shooting in California erupted when toddler was cutting her birthday cake: ‘They deserve to go to hell’

By Emily Crane

Published Dec. 2, 2025

Updated Dec. 2, 2025, 7:31 a.m. ET

 

The mass shooting in California that killed four people, including three kids, erupted just as a toddler was cutting cake at her 2nd birthday party, according to her mom — who said the shooters “deserve to go to hell.”

 

The birthday girl’s mother, Patrice Williams, said partygoers dropped to the floor as soon as the gunshots rang out inside the packed banquet hall in Stockton on Saturday.

 

“I actually thought it was my balloons popping. It was gunshots,” Williams said.

 

“It was just unexpected. I don’t know what happened, and I’m just so shocked and lost.”

 

Three children — ages 8, 9 and 14 — were killed along with a 21-year-old, authorities said. Another 11 were wounded, including one who is in critical condition.

 

Williams, whose daughter wasn’t injured in the ordeal, said she didn’t get a good look at the person responsible — and has no idea who would target a child’s party.

 

“They deserve to be in jail. They deserve to go to hell,” she said.

 

“I’m sorry, but I just … it’s not respectable. It’s a kids’ party.”

 

Authorities haven’t identified any suspects but have indicated the shooting was gang-related.

 

Among those gunned down was 14-year-old Amari Peterson and 21-year-old Susano Archuleta.

Update:

New York Post

 

Stockton mass shooting that killed 4, including 3 kids, at child’s birthday party was gang-related: mayor

By Zoe Hussain

Published Nov. 30, 2025, 9:33 p.m. ET

 

A California mass shooting that left three children and a young adult dead at a little girl’s birthday party was gang-related, according to the town’s mayor.

 

A total of 15 victims were struck when the ​deadly chaos unfolded just before 6 p.m. Saturday at Monkey Space, a banquet hall in Stockton, roughly 40 miles south of Sacramento, Fox40 reported.

 

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi told the outlet the shooting was related to gang violence, labeling the tragic incident “domestic terrorism.”

 

“Let’s call it what it is. This is domestic terrorism. This is gang violence, and it has to stop in our city,” Fugazi told the outlet.

 

She also added that President Trump’s advisers had called her early Sunday to offer their assistance — and that she has asked the US Attorney’s Office to find the gunman, who remains on the lam.

 

The White House did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.

 

Authorities were originally “looking for one suspect. Now, we’re looking for a possibility of multiple,” Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, told the outlet.

 

Neighbors claimed that gunfire ​appeared to come ​from multiple locations during the chaotic shooting, KCRA reported.

 

Those killed in the gunfire were ages 8, 9, 14 and 21, police said.

 

The injured included a 9-, 12- and 15-year-old, and went up to age 22, the Sacramento Bee and a local pol added.

 

The injured 9-year-old was listed in fair condition, with one adult victim suffering only a minor injury. The conditions of the others who were injured are not immediately clear.

 

The shooting appeared to be a “targeted” attack, Brent previously told reporters.

 

“This is a very active and ongoing investigation, and information remains limited​,” she said. ”Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities.”

 

Faith leaders in Stockton planned an afternoon vigil on Sunday to honor the dead and pray for the wounded.

 

The 8-year-old victim was a student at a local school and had a parent who worked for the Stockton Unified School District. Counselors will be available this week at city schools to help those who are grieving, Fugazi told reporters on Sunday.

 

Community leaders expressed their grave anguish at the young age of the slain 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. Breaks my heart,” Fugazi said.

 

Authorities have pleaded with anyone who has information on the murders to call the local Crime Stoppers number so justice can be served.

 

District Attorney Ron Freitas urged the shooter to “turn yourself in immediately.”

 

“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,” Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X.