Four Dead, Including Three Children, in Stockton Family Gathering Shooting. At least four people, including three children, have died in a mass shooting at a family gathering in Stockton, California. The victims were aged eight, nine, 14, and 21, while 11 others were injured in the incident at a local restaurant. Authorities say the suspect is still on the loose and believe the attack may have been targeted. Deputy Mayor Jason Lee said the shooting occurred during what was reportedly a children's birthday party. "A birthday party should never be a place where families fear for their lives," he wrote. Investigators are appealing for anyone with information or video footage to come forward. Spokeswoman Heather Brent described the incident as “unfathomable," and Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi called it "unacceptable," adding that families should be celebrating together, not standing in hospital corridors praying for loved ones. California has strict gun laws, but recent federal and Supreme Court rulings have challenged some restrictions, including bans on assault weapons, complicating efforts to prevent such tragedies.