FRENCH CAMP, Calif. — Authorities are intensifying their efforts to apprehend suspects linked to a shocking mass shooting that left four people dead and 11 others injured during a child’s birthday celebration. The incident unfolded Saturday evening as guests gathered to celebrate a 2-year-old’s birthday at a banquet hall on Lucile Avenue and Thornton Road.
San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow, who is leading the investigation, indicated that multiple shooters may be involved and expressed determination to bring them to justice. “We’re coming for you,” Withrow stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the toll it has taken on the local community and families affected. “You’ve created havoc in our neighborhoods, and we will hold you accountable.”
The chaotic scene erupted just before 6 p.m. as attendees were preparing to cut the cake. Witnesses described a moment of joy quickly turning into terror as gunfire erupted. Patrice Williams, the mother of the birthday child, reported that while her daughter remained unharmed, the father of the child tragically lost two nieces in the incident. Investigators later discovered firearms on the roof of the venue but have yet to confirm their connection to the shooting.
As part of the effort to gather information, a cash reward of $25,000 is being offered for tips leading to an arrest. This initiative is backed by the office of Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi, Crime Stoppers, and Councilwoman Mariela Ponce. Additionally, the FBI’s Sacramento division has announced a separate $50,000 reward for information contributing to the identification and arrest of those responsible for the attack.
The deceased have yet to be officially named, but preliminary reports indicate they were aged 8, 9, 14, and 21. Among the victims is 14-year-old Amari Peterson. His father described a frantic attempt to revive him after he was shot, believing that Amari had been near a rapper potentially targeted by the shooter. Tragically, Amari succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to the hospital. Family members have identified the 21-year-old victim as Susano Archuleta.
The ages of survivors range from 8 to approximately 30, according to Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. While some victims have improved and been discharged, others remain hospitalized. Michael Tubbs, a former mayor of Stockton, confirmed that Jasmine Dellafosse, a community advocate promoting violence reduction, is among the survivors. She has undergone surgery and now faces a rehabilitation journey.
Fugazi noted that the sheriff’s office is the leading investigative body since the shooting occurred just outside city limits. Other agencies, including the Stockton and Manteca Police Departments, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the FBI, are all collaborating on this case.
Homicides within the city of Stockton have shown a decreasing trend this year, with 34 reported as of last week compared to 46 during the same timeframe last year. This ongoing investigation, alongside community efforts to combat violence, underscores the collective commitment to restoring safety and peace in the area.