STANISLAUS COUNTY, CA – The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting at a Halloween party in Empire that left one man dead and two others injured.
On Nov. 1, 2025, at about 12:27 a.m., deputies responded to the 100 block of A Street in Empire for a report of gunfire at a Halloween party. While enroute, dispatch advised there were multiple gunshot victims. Upon arrival, deputies located two adult male victims and immediately began life-saving measures.
Two victims were transported by ambulance to a local hospital. One victim, identified as 32-year-old Juan Loaiza of Ceres, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The second victim remains in critical condition. A third victim self-transported to another hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
Due to the nature of the incident, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit responded and took over the investigation. Deputies were unable to locate any suspects, and those responsible remain at large.
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.
