Exclusive | Rapper targeted in Stockton mass shooting is hiding out, fearing for his life after being shot at little girls’ birthday party, dad says

STOCKTON — After both he and his wife were shot during a tragic event that claimed the lives of three preschoolers, a local rapper is now on the run and deeply concerned about his safety, according to his father.

MBnel, whose real name is Johnel Dongon, was among 15 people wounded when a birthday gathering for a 2‑year‑old girl at Monkey Space in Stockton turned into a mass shooting on Saturday night, his dad, Junior Dongon, told The Post.

“California based Rapper MBnel is now scared for his life after the Stockton shooting,” reads the caption of a photo posted by MBnel on Facebook.

Previously, MBnel had left Stockton and lived beyond Sacramento for a while. His return to the heavily‑policed city of 300,000 inhabitants was to meet fellow artists at the party, recounted his son’s father.

Junior Dongon also provided a photo of himself speaking with the wooden sweater; a photo credited to David G. McIntyre for ZUMA PRESS.

Later, a picture captured the grim scene at the party’s aftermath, credited to the same photographer for NY Post.

“He just came to drop off a present at his friend’s party, whose daughter was the celebrant,” Junior Dongon explained. “He was shot, but he is OK. … He called me and said, ‘Don’t say anything to anybody,’” he added.

The Stockton‑based artist had stepped away from the neighborhood two years ago after fearing for his life, especially after his parents’ home was targeted when a group fired 22 rounds some years earlier, Dongon recalled.

“My daughter‑in‑law was hit in the butt,” he continued. “We are worried. I’m worried about my wife, but I can’t do anything about it.”

City officials say the incident was linked to ongoing gang activity, with Mayor Christina Fugazi noting that the tragedy killed three children and a young adult.

This is a breaking story. Please check back for updates.