EMPIRE, CA — Deputies with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a shooting that occurred early morning on November 1, 2025, at a Halloween party in Empire, resulting in one fatality and two additional injuries.
At approximately 12:27 a.m., deputies responded to the 100 block of A Street after receiving reports of gunfire involving multiple victims. Upon arrival, two adult male victims were located. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots followed by people fleeing the residence. Authorities were unable to locate any suspects at the scene, and those responsible for the incident remain at large.
Both victims located at the scene were transported by ambulance to a local hospital. One of the men, identified as Juan Loaiza, a 32-year-old Hispanic male from Ceres, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The second victim remains in critical condition. A third victim was later reported to have transported himself to another area hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
The Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit (MCU) has taken over the investigation. Authorities are currently withholding further information as the investigation remains active. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Wyatt at (209) 525-7091 or submit an anonymous tip to Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers at (866) 602-7463.
