Shooting at Empire Halloween party leaves 1 dead, 2 wounded. Suspects at large
A man was killed and two others were wounded after gunfire erupted at a Halloween party early Saturday in Empire, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched at about 12:27 a.m. Nov. 1 to the 100 block of A Street for reports of shots fired and multiple victims, the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. When deputies arrived, they found two men and began lifesaving measures.
Both were taken by ambulance to a local hospital. Juan Loaiza, 32, of Ceres, died there of his injuries, officials said. The second man remained in critical condition as of Saturday. A third victim later self-transported to another hospital and is expected to recover.
Witnesses told deputies they heard gunshots during the party and people ran from the area. No arrests have been made and those responsible remain at large, the Sheriff’s Office said. Because of the nature of the case, the agency’s Major Crimes Unit has taken over the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Wyatt at 209-525-7091. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers at 866-602-7463.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
This story was originally published November 5, 2025 at 8:59 AM.
