Deadly Stockton Flea Market shooting was an act of self-defense during robbery, police say

STOCKTON, Calif. — A shooting at the Stockton Flea Market earlier this month that left two men dead and a woman wounded has been ruled a case of self-defense during a robbery, Stockton police said on Tuesday.

Stockton police said Wednesday that employees at the business involved are not currently being charged, police said.

Two men were killed and a woman injured when gunfire broke out during the Jan. 19 shooting. Both of those who died were involved in the robbery, police said. Police did not have more information to share about the woman who was wounded.

KCRA 3 previously spoke to Salvador Cervantes, a longtime resident and jewelry business owner at the flea market, who recounted the shooting.

He said his son had traded gunfire with one of those involved.

“This individual came, was walking out of my booth with the gun pointing, and I threw myself on the floor when I saw him,” he said. “There was an exchange of fire between my son and them. My son is the one who saved my life for the second time, so I’m pretty much blessed that he was around again for the second time.”

In 2012, Cervantes’ father was shot and killed while selling jewelry at the same flea market.

Stockton police said their investigation is ongoing.