A mass shooting at a children’s birthday party in north Stockton left four people dead and 11 others wounded Saturday evening, Nov. 29, 2025, in what authorities are describing as a targeted attack. The violence claimed the lives of three children ages 8, 9 and 14, along with a 21-year-old, sending shockwaves through the California community.
The shooting occurred just before 6 p.m. at Monkey Space, a banquet hall located at 1943 Lucile Avenue in an unincorporated area of north Stockton near a Dairy Queen on Thornton Road. Between 100 and 150 people had gathered at the venue, which previously housed Kudos Children’s Theatre, to celebrate a child’s birthday when multiple gunmen opened fire.
According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the attack began inside the banquet hall and continued outside. A total of 15 people were struck by gunfire in the rampage. The injured victims ranged in age from 9 to 22 years old, including children ages 9, 12 and 15.
Sheriff Patrick Withrow said investigators believe the shooting was not random. “We’re confident that this was not a random act. They walked into this area and were probably looking for somebody in particular,” Withrow said during a news conference Sunday afternoon. However, he emphasized that a motive has not yet been identified and authorities are still working to determine who the suspects are and what they might be affiliated with.
Despite the lack of confirmed motive, Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi characterized the violence as gang-related and labeled it domestic terrorism. The mayor’s strong language reflects growing frustration with gun violence in the city, particularly incidents that endanger children at what should be safe, celebratory gatherings.
Three adult victims from the shooting were transported to Sutter Memorial Hospital in Modesto, where they remained in stable condition as of Sunday. Dignity Health St. Joseph Medical Center also reported receiving victims – one with minor injuries, one undergoing surgery, and one 9-year-old in fair condition.
The San Joaquin County Medical Examiner’s Office declined to release the names of those killed, citing respect for the families and the ongoing investigation.
The youngest victim, an 8-year-old, has been identified as a student in the Stockton Unified School District. Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez confirmed the student’s enrollment Sunday night, expressing the district’s grief. The superintendent said counselors and mental health clinicians would be available at all 55 SUSD schools to support students and staff processing the violence.
Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office, indicated that investigators initially searched for one suspect but now believe multiple shooters may have been involved. No arrests have been made, and authorities have not released descriptions of potential suspects or information about weapons recovered at the scene.
The lack of arrests has prompted officials to offer substantial rewards for information. Crime Stoppers was offering $10,000 for information leading to arrest and conviction, while Councilwoman Mariela Ponce contributed $5,000, bringing the total reward offered to $25,000. Mayor Fugazi has also contributed to the reward fund.
District Attorney Ron Freitas made a direct appeal to those responsible. The district attorney emphasized that violence has no place in the community, particularly when children are harmed by gun and gang violence.
Community response to the shooting has been marked by grief and calls for action. A vigil was planned for Sunday afternoon to honor the dead and pray for the wounded. The community stands united in compassion and resolve, emphasizing that students, staff and families deserve safety, healing and support.
Mayor Fugazi expressed the heartbreak felt by many in the community, noting the proximity to the holiday season. “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,” the mayor said.
The sheriff reassured the public that there is no reason to fear random violence, stating that the attack was not a terrorist-type incident where perpetrators simply wanted to kill people indiscriminately. Nevertheless, the shooting has raised concerns about public safety at community gatherings and the ongoing challenge of gang violence in California cities.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about the shooting, particularly those who may have video footage from the event, to contact local law enforcement or Crime Stoppers. The investigation remains active and ongoing as officials work to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence that shattered what should have been a joyful celebration.
