SAT . An Ice Cream Shop Should Never Be a Place Where Families Fear for Their Lives” — 4 Killed, 14 Shot at Child’s Birthday Party in Stockton
An Ice Cream Shop Should Never Be a Place Where Families Fear for Their Lives” — 4 Killed, 14 Shot at Child’s Birthday Party in Stockton
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STOCKTON, Calif. — What was meant to be a joyful birthday celebration for a young child turned into a horrific scene of chaos and bloodshed on Saturday night, as gunfire erupted inside a crowded ice cream shop in Stockton. Four people were killed and 14 others wounded, police confirmed — one of the deadliest mass shootings in Northern California this year.
Authorities say families were gathered for a child’s birthday party when multiple gunmen opened fire, sending parents diving for cover and children screaming as balloons, decorations, and birthday cake scattered across the floor.
A Family Celebration Turned Into a Nightmare
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Witnesses described a scene of pure confusion and terror. The small ice cream shop was filled with roughly 30 guests, including several young children, when the shooting began.
One mother who survived said:
“We were singing happy birthday one minute, and the next minute everyone was on the floor. I grabbed my daughter and just ran.”
Police said at least two shooters may have been involved, though investigators are still working to determine the motive. Early reports suggest the incident may have stemmed from a personal dispute that escalated violently in a public space full of families.
Police: “No family should ever have to experience this”
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At a somber news conference Sunday morning, Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden condemned the attack:
“An ice cream shop should never be a place where families fear for their lives. This was supposed to be a child’s happy day — instead, it became a tragedy.”
He confirmed that:
- Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene or at local hospitals
- Fourteen others suffered gunshot wounds
- Several children were treated for trauma, though none were physically injured
- A massive manhunt is underway for the suspects
McFadden called the incident “an act of unbelievable cowardice.”
Community in Mourning
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The shooting has devastated the Stockton community, which has struggled with rising gun violence in recent years. On Sunday evening, residents gathered for a candlelight vigil outside the ice cream shop, placing teddy bears, flowers, and handwritten notes for the victims.
Local leaders urged unity and demanded immediate action to protect families from further violence.
Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln said:
“We cannot normalize this. No parent should have to bury a child, and no child should have their birthday end in gunfire.”
Investigation Ongoing
Police are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and working with state and federal agencies to track down those responsible. Detectives believe the shooters fled before officers arrived.
Authorities ask anyone with information to come forward.
A Birthday No One Will Ever Forget
What should have been a simple childhood memory — blowing out candles, eating cake, laughing with friends — has now become a symbol of heartbreak for an entire city.
As one grieving relative put it:
“We walked in to celebrate life. We walked out praying for it.”
