A child\u2019s birthday party in Stockton, California, turned deadly Saturday when gunfire erupted inside a home,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
killing at least four people and injuring 10 others, authorities said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What began as a celebration with \u201cballoons taped to fences\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
and children opening gifts descended into panic as parents rushed to protect their kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Witnesses said the shooting happened within seconds,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
with some neighbors initially mistaking the noise for fireworks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Police described the scene as \u201cchaotic,\u201d with party decorations scattered and children clinging to adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Officials confirmed multiple fatalities and several victims in critical condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The motive remains unclear, and investigators have not said whether the shooter was known to the family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is one of the most heartbreaking scenes we\u2019ve responded to,\u201d an official said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA children\u2019s party. Innocent families. Pure devastation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and witness accounts as the community mourns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n