Stockton shooting: Family of murdered teenager speaks out, father claims gunman targeted rapper.

STOCKTON, Calif. The life of 14-year-old Amari Peterson ended abruptly on Saturday during a mass shooting at a two-year-old's birthday party. Amari was one of four people killed at the gathering, which he attended with his parents and three siblings.

Amari's mother, Kimberly Peterson, described her son as full of joy and the "glue of our family." The other children killed were aged eight and nine, and a 21-year-old adult also lost their life during the attack at a local banquet hall.

Patrick Peterson, Amaris father, expressed his grief: "I feel so bad I wasn't able to save him." He recounted that Amari had stepped away briefly to meet a rapper at the party when gunfire erupted. "It was like pop, pop, pop, pop," Patrick said, recalling the chaos as guests scrambled for safety. He spotted a masked gunman firing multiple shots, apparently targeting the rapper.

While trying to reach Amari, Patrick secured his one-year-old daughter and found his son shot in the chest. "He was just gasping for air I was trying not to panic," he said. Patrick performed CPR until emergency responders arrived, but Amari did not survive.

The Peterson family is devastated. Amari, an outgoing and athletic eighth grader, was described by his mother as having a bright future ahead. Kimberly reflected, "For my son to only be 14 and lose his life We were planning for where he was going to go to high school, now we're planning his funeral."

Amaris 12-year-old sister, Kaesanii, survived the shooting with a graze wound on her arm after fleeing through a back door. The family has launched an online fundraiser to help cover expenses.

Former Stockton mayor Michael Tubbs, a friend of one of the 11 injured victims, spoke about Jasmine Dellafosse, who remains hospitalized but is expected to recover. Tubbs praised her work as a community leader focused on reducing violence, noting her contributions are recognized in a city mural alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"This is a community problem," Tubbs said. "Any one of us could have been at a two-year-old's birthday party."

Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered flags at the State Capitol to fly at half-staff in honor of the victims. Law enforcement continues to search for the shooter or shooters. Authorities have not confirmed the intended target and are investigating if more than one person was involved.

Patrice Williams, the mother of the birthday child, expressed sorrow: "Everybody just dove to the ground. I just really want to say I'm sorry to all the mothers out there that lost their kids at my birthday party."

Stockton officials suggested the shooting might be gang-related, though the sheriff's office stated it is too early to confirm. The FBI has offered a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Author: Sophia Brooks