Investigators Seek Multiple Suspects in Stockton Mass Shooting; About 50 Shell Casings Recovered

More than a week after the Stockton mass shooting that killed four people, investigators and city leaders released new details about the case.

On Tuesday, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office announced that investigators recovered about 50 shell casings from the scene. Sheriff Pat Withrow said the evidence indicates that at least five guns were used in the attack.

Investigators confirmed they are searching for multiple suspects who wore dark clothing and face coverings, though Withrow said he could not confirm the exact number involved. When asked whether surveillance video helped identify anyone, Withrow said he was not aware of any identifications made through video evidence.

“This is not going to be solved in a week or two,” Withrow said. “This is going to take months.”

After the sheriff’s update, Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee held a press conference with the parents of 14-year-old Amari Peterson, one of the victims. The family expressed their grief and called for systemic change.

“Every day I wake up, the whole world is talking about my son,” Amari’s father, Patrick Peterson, said.

Lee urged local, state, and federal leaders to invest in youth programs in Stockton. The appeal comes after the city cut funding this year for two major violence-prevention efforts: the Office of Violence Prevention and Advanced Peace Stockton.

Tuesday night marked the first city council meeting since the deadly shooting.

The four victims who died are: