Gunmen killed Stockton family members as they slept, neighbors say

Neighbors said two gunmen moved from room to room in a Stockton family’s home, opening fire as the family slept.

Fidel and Olivia Ruiz, and one of their sons, Manuel, were killed. Two others were wounded in the attack just before midnight Friday. The couple’s 6-year-old boy, who was unharmed, discovered his dead parents and ran screaming to a neighbor’s house, Fox 40 reported.

The shooting shocked neighbors, who held a vigil outside the home over the weekend.

Friends and family described the slain couple, who had 11 children, as loving, friendly and family-oriented.

“They did not deserve this, they didn’t,” family friend Brisa Martinez told CBS Sacramento. “I used to drink my coffee with her everyday, and now I can’t even eat. I can’t even look at her house now, because, it’s horrible.”

San Joaquin County sheriff’s detectives said two men entered the home and opened fire shortly before midnight Friday. Few details were released as the investigation continued. But neighbors said they believe the shooters went from room to room as the victims slept.

Police said the two gunmen left in a small black truck.

The boy was initially taken into protective custody, but family said he is now staying with relatives.

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jason.wells@latimes.com

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