Four people are dead and six injured after mass shooting at a family garden party unfolded in front of children.
Early reports say gunmen crept into a backyard and opened fire on a crowd of people watching American football on TV.
Police described the situation in Fresno, California, as a 'mass casualty shooting', NBC News reports.
Four men, aged between 25 and 30, were killed. Three of the victims were found dead in the garden when police arrived.
Officers were called to the scene of the shooting at 6pm local time on Sunday, with gunshot victims rushed to Community Regional Medical Center in critical condition, it was reported.
Neighbours told local media they heard many gunshots in quick succession.
Lt Bill Dooley told The Fresno Bee that the suspects fled the scene after the shooting.
He added: "What we do know is that this was a gathering, a family and friend gathering in the backyard.
"Everyone was watching football this evening when unknown suspects approached the residence, snuck into the backyard and opened fire.
"Officers arrived on scene – what we found were several individuals deceased in the backyard."
Three people were found dead in the garden, while a fourth person died in hospital, according to CBS News.
About 45 people, including children, were at the party, local media reported.
No children were injured.
Deputy Police Chief Michael Reed said: "Our hearts go out to the families of the victims of this thing.
“This was senseless violence. We're going to do everything we can to find out who the perpetrators were and bring them to justice."
Neighbours said another home on the same street was shot at last week.
