14-Year-Old Victim Identified in California Mass Shooting at Child's Birthday Party, Resulting in Deaths of Three Kids

The 14-year-old boy who lost his life during a mass shooting at a birthday party in Stockton, California, on Saturday night has been identified as Amari Peterson, according to a GoFundMe organized by his family.

The shooting, which occurred on November 29, 2025, injured 15 people and claimed the lives of three children, aged 8, 9, and 14, along with a 21-year-old man. "No family should ever go from planning birthdays to planning funerals," the Peterson family's fundraiser stated.

Peterson's family described him as "a bright, loved, and promising young soul whose life was taken far too soon by a senseless act of violence." They added that Amari was a football and basketball player, a son, brother, and cousin, and emphasized that he was not involved in any gang activity. "The only mistake this sweet boy made was being in the wrong place at the wrong time," the family wrote.

The 21-year-old adult who died in the shooting was later identified as Susano Archuleta. More than 100 guests were reportedly attending the birthday celebration for a 2-year-old child when the attack occurred. Witnesses described the incident as "senseless."

Authorities confirmed that one of the youngest victims, the 8-year-old child, was a student in the Stockton Unified School District. Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez expressed deep sorrow, stating, "As educators, we hurt deeply anytime a child is hurt. We hold this students family in our hearts and grieve with the community."

Law enforcement remained at the scene overnight, collecting evidence with support from the California Department of Justice, the FBI, and the ATF. San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Heather Brent emphasized that finding the responsible party is the top priority. Brent noted that early indications suggest the incident may have been targeted, with all possibilities under investigation.

Local officials and residents have expressed shock and sorrow. Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi wrote on social media about her disbelief and the enduring trauma for the children and families affected. "Children who witnessed horrors no child should see, and loved ones seeing someone they care about killed these are wounds that will likely never heal," she wrote.

Author: Sophia Brooks