In a shocking development from California, police say a woman played a key role in encouraging a teenage gunman to open fire on a group of young females. The incident, which took place in the city of San Pablo, has left the local community disturbed and raised serious questions about the influence of adults on young individuals involved in violent crime.
According to reports from the San Pablo Police Department, the shooting occurred on May 12, around 6:45 PM. A 16-year-old male allegedly opened fire on a group of girls following what authorities believe was a confrontation involving both the teen and an adult woman. What makes this case even more troubling is the claim that the woman, identified as 29-year-old Destinee Stokes, actively encouraged the teen to shoot.
Police say surveillance footage and witness accounts have provided enough evidence to suggest that Stokes was not just present at the scene but also played an active role in escalating the situation. In a press statement, law enforcement officials stated that Stokes had gotten into a verbal argument with the group of girls earlier in the evening. That argument appears to have quickly escalated, with the woman allegedly calling the teen over and urging him to shoot.
Moments later, the teen pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots in the direction of the girls. One 16-year-old girl was struck and seriously injured in the shooting. She was rushed to a nearby hospital where she is currently recovering. The other individuals at the scene managed to escape without injury.
Authorities say they quickly identified both the teen and the woman through surveillance video collected from nearby buildings. The footage reportedly shows Stokes gesturing and speaking to the teen before he pulls the weapon and fires. Based on this, police have arrested both individuals. The teenage suspect, whose name is not being released due to his age, is being held in juvenile detention and faces several serious charges, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and unlawful firearm possession.
Destinee Stokes has been charged with multiple felonies, including conspiracy to commit a crime, child endangerment, and inciting a violent act. She is currently being held without bail at the Contra Costa County Jail.
In their official statement, San Pablo police expressed concern about the role adults are playing in acts of youth violence. “It’s one thing for teenagers to get into fights. But when adults step in to escalate those fights and even encourage gun violence, it becomes something much more dangerous,” said a department spokesperson.
The community has reacted with a mix of outrage and sadness. Many local residents gathered at the scene the next day, expressing their shock that an adult would allegedly provoke such a violent act. “This could’ve ended with someone’s life lost,” said one local mother. “We need to do better in protecting our kids, not pushing them into violence.”
Police also say the investigation is still ongoing, and they are working to determine whether the gun used in the shooting was legally obtained and if anyone else might have helped supply it. Authorities are also exploring the background relationship between Stokes and the teen to understand how the two came to know each other and what might have motivated their actions.
This case comes at a time when gun violence involving youth is a growing concern across California and the country. Several communities have seen a rise in violent incidents involving teenagers, and experts point to a variety of causes including lack of support at home, peer pressure, social media influence, and easy access to firearms.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone who witnessed the event or has information about the firearm used to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted via the San Pablo Police Department’s website or tip line.
As for the teenage victim, her family says she is showing signs of recovery but is emotionally shaken by the incident. “She’s lucky to be alive,” said a relative. “But she’s scared, and it’s going to take a long time for her to heal — not just physically, but emotionally too.”
Meanwhile, community leaders are calling for more youth outreach programs and stronger gun control measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
For updates and official statements, readers can follow the San Pablo Police Department’s press releases.
This case continues to develop, and the court proceedings for both suspects are expected to begin in the coming weeks. Police have confirmed that more charges could be added depending on further evidence.
In the end, this case is a grim reminder of how quickly situations can spiral out of control — especially when firearms are involved — and how critical it is for adults to guide, not endanger, the youth around them.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
