A mass shooting at a young girl's birthday party in California has claimed the lives of four people, including a 14-year-old boy, and left a community in mourning.
A Community in Mourning After Tragedy Strikes
The shooting erupted at a banquet hall in Stockton on Saturday, November 29, just before 6pm. Over 100 people were attending the celebration when gunfire broke out. Among the dead is 14-year-old Amari Peterson, identified by his grieving mother, Kim Peterson.
"My baby was innocent," she told the Stockton Record. "We were just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Who would have known my baby wasn't gonna come home with me?" She described her son as a talented boy who played basketball and football, adding, "My baby was loved."
His youth basketball team, the CV Hornets, shared a heartfelt plea on social media, urging their community to help the family with funeral costs. "Amari was loved by everyone. What a great young man. He had so much more to give the world," the post read.
Victims and the Ongoing Investigation
The other victims who have been identified include 21-year-old Susano Archuleta, who was at the party to celebrate his friend's daughter's birthday, according to his aunt. The remaining two victims were an 8-year-old child and a 9-year-old child. The 8-year-old was a student at a local school, with a parent employed by the Stockton Unified School District.
In total, four people were killed and 11 others were wounded. San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow stated that one of the injured remains in critical condition. As of now, no suspects have been arrested, and the gunman remains unidentified.
In the chaotic aftermath, the sheriff's office was flooded with calls reporting the shooting, with some stating that children as young as nine were bleeding.
Authorities Respond and Offer Reward
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi has labelled the shooting an act of gang violence and domestic terrorism. In response, a substantial reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest.
"Crimestoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved," Mayor Fugazi announced on social media. "I am matching that with another $10,000, and with a $5,000 contribution from Councilwoman Mariela Ponce. The total bounty now stands at $25,000."
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to contact detectives at 209-468-4400 or Crime Stoppers at 209-946-0600.
