Last updated March 4, 2026

SACRAMENTO, California — A 21-year-old Stockton man was killed and a woman was seriously injured in a double stabbing Monday night at the Downtown Commons (DOCO) shopping and entertainment district.
The big picture: The incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. near 4th and K streets in an area of the plaza occupied by the Yard House restaurant, drawing a significant police presence to the popular nightlife destination. While both victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment, investigators confirmed the male victim later succumbed to his injuries.
- Victim identified: Family members identified the deceased as Dustin DeWitt, a Stockton resident who was in Sacramento to meet a friend visiting from San Diego.
- Condition of survivor: An unnamed woman also sustained stab wounds during the encounter; police described her injuries as serious but non-life-threatening.
- Search for answers: DeWitt’s mother and sister discovered the crime scene shortly after midnight after tracking his cellphone location when he failed to return home.
- Community support: A GoFundMe campaign established to support the DeWitt family has raised approximately $36,000 as of Wednesday morning to assist with expenses.
The details: As the investigation continues, the Sacramento Police Department has not yet released a description of the suspect or a potential motive for the attack. The lack of an immediate arrest has sparked concerns regarding safety and oversight in the downtown corridor, which is typically viewed as a hub for tourism and local gatherings.
- Professional legacy: DeWitt was a dedicated employee at Dutch Bros Coffee, with the company stating, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague, Dustin DeWitt. He was cherished and loved for the impact he made in his local shop with crews and customers,” according to CBS News.
- Personal aspirations: His mother, Sokha Hem, noted her son was preparing for a career change, stating, “He had goals. He was about to apply for a flight attendant next week. He was getting his passport ready and everything.”
- Family tribute: Describing his personality, DeWitt’s family called him the “sunshine to everybody’s life” and “the light of the party,” noting he held multiple jobs to support his future.
- Calls for security: Local residents expressed unease following the violence, with Sacramento resident Erline Gray stating, “This is supposed to be a safe place for everyone, and unfortunately, things like this happen. I think we just need to beef up more security, police,” CBS reported.
What’s next: A vigil to honor the life of Dustin DeWitt is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at Nelson Park in Stockton, as Sacramento police continue to urge anyone with information regarding the Monday night incident to contact investigators.