Three children were among those killed when an unidentified gunman opened fire at a birthday party in California.
The tragic shooting broke out at a banquet hall at around 6pm on Saturday night in Stockton, where at least 100 people were gathered.
Children ages eight, nine and 14, were killed in the horrific shooting, as was a 21 year old, Heather Brent, a spokeswoman for the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office announced Sunday.
Eleven others were wounded.
'This was a birthday party for a young child, and the fact that this happened is absolutely heartbreaking,' Brent told reporters.
Authorities now believe the attack was 'targeted,' but have not elaborated on why they believe it may have been intentional or who might have been targeted.
'If you have surveillance footage, if you´re a local business here, if you´re in the area, live in the area, or maybe you´ve heard rumors - please contact the sheriff´s office,' Brent pleaded.
She said she could not release information about a motive or details about a suspect, noting that it might hinder the investigation.
'Finding the person or persons who committed this crime is the No. 1 priority,' Brent said.
Authorities are continuing to investigate after an unidentified gunman opened fire at a banquet hall in Stockton, California Saturday night
Four people were killed in the shooting and 11 others were wounded
Faith leaders in Stockton were planning an afternoon vigil to honor the dead and pray for the wounded.
Meanwhile, District Attorney Ron Freitas urged the shooter to 'turn yourself in immediately.'
Mayor Christina Fugazi told reporters on Sunday that the 8-year-old victim attended a local school and had a parent who worked for the Stockton Unified School District. The mayor said counselors would be available this week at city schools.
Community leaders expressed anguish over the loss of victims so young.
'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.
In 2024, Stockton had many more homicides - 54 - than other California cities of similar size, but the rate was down through October of this year, according to city data.
Fugazi on Saturday recalled a shooting several years ago in which 'seven people were gunned down' in the city.
'Stockton is better than this. ... Families should be together instead of at the hospital, standing next to their loved one, praying that they survive,' Fugazi said.