Rapper MBnel hiding after Stockton shooting that killed 3 children, father says family was targeted

STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA: A tragic birthday celebration turned into horror on Saturday night, November 29, when gunfire tore through a toddler’s party inside a Stockton banquet hall. Among the 15 wounded was Stockton rapper MBnel, who is now hiding and terrified for his life after the ambush that left three children dead.

His father, Junior Dongon, says his son never should have returned to the city he once fled.

MBnel’s father says family has long been targeted in Stockton

According to MBnel’s father, the 28-year-old rapper, real name Johnel Dongon, left Stockton two years ago because the violence around him had become impossible to escape. He moved outside Sacramento, trying to rebuild a sense of safety after “22 bullets” were once fired into his parents’ home.

But on Saturday, he decided to do something simple and innocent: drop off a present for a friend’s 2-year-old daughter at Monkey Space, a small event hall along the 1900 block of Lucille Avenue. “He just came to drop off a present at his friend’s party,” his father said, still stunned by the call he received. “He was shot, but he is OK. He called me and said, ‘Don’t say anything to anybody.’”

His wife was also wounded. “My daughter-in-law was hit in the butt,” Dongon added quietly. “We are worried. I’m worried about my wife, but I can’t do anything about it.”

He fears the shooting wasn’t random and that his son was the intended target. 

Officials say Stockton shooting likely tied to gang violence

Stockton was thrown into chaos late Saturday after gunfire erupted inside the crowded hall, killing three children and one young adult. Ten more victims were rushed to local hospitals in critical condition as emergency rooms across the city filled within minutes.

San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Heather Brent confirmed that 14 people were struck by gunfire. “This is a very active and ongoing investigation,” she said. “Information remains limited. Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities.”

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi said the attack is suspected to be tied to gang violence, a crisis the city continues to battle.

Witnesses describe frantic escape as gunfire hits child’s party

The birthday party was in full swing when the shooting began. 

Witnesses described parents diving to shield their children as bullets tore through tables, chairs, and balloon decorations. The hall’s windows shattered, scattering glass across the floor as families scrambled for cover.

MBnel and his wife were among those hit in the chaos. Despite being wounded, the rapper managed to escape and later called his father from a safe location.

He has since gone into hiding, fearing further retaliation. Loved ones say he is shaken not only by the shooting but by the realization that danger has followed him even after moving away.