Stockton residents outraged after mass shooting at child's birthday party: 'Unforgettable'

The city of Stockton, long familiar with gang-related violence, is reeling after a shocking attack at a toddlers birthday party over the weekend. Four people, including three children, were killed, leaving officials and residents stunned.

We have experienced gang shootings before, but this tragedy feels different, said Stockton Councilmember Michele Padilla. This is an event no one will forget.

Authorities reported that at least one shooter opened fire during the Saturday celebration, injuring 11 others and killing three children aged 8, 9, and 14, as well as a 21-year-old adult. The youngest victim, 8-year-old Maya Lupian, a third-grader at Aspire Apex Academy, was memorialized by her family on a GoFundMe page, emphasizing that she deserved a joyful childhood rather than this tragedy.

Fourteen-year-old Amari Peterson was also identified on a family GoFundMe page as a bright, promising young teen involved in sports and planning for college.

Rapper Burna Boy announced on Tuesday that he would cover funeral expenses for all four victims. When I heard about the children murdered in Stockton, my heart broke, he said, adding that he contacted Vice Mayor Jason Lee to offer support to the affected families.

San Joaquin County sheriffs officials confirmed that no arrests related to the shooting have been made, and no suspects have been identified. Investigators are exploring motives, including potential links to gang activity and two local rappers who were present. Two individuals associated with the rappers were taken into custody for parole violations, but they are not connected to the shooting.

The community remains in shock. Vice Mayor Jason Lee commented, It has never been acceptable to harm children. I urge anyone with information to come forward. Lee has met privately with victims families and stressed the need for unity, leadership, and accountability to prevent further violence.

City leaders emphasize that addressing the underlying causes of crime, such as underinvestment in neighborhoods, is crucial to preventing future tragedies. Officials hope that community members will step forward to assist in investigations, despite the prevalent no-snitch culture in some areas.

Stockton authorities have worked for years to reduce violent crime, and this year has seen 34 homicides, a decrease from the previous year. Councilmember Padilla described visiting the victims school and witnessing grieving children, highlighting the human cost of gang conflicts.

Local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, are assisting in the investigation. Mayor Christina Fugazi labeled the attack as gang-related terrorism and has requested federal assistance, including a dedicated U.S. attorney and youth employment funding.

Former Mayor Michael Tubbs noted Stocktons long-standing struggles with violent crime, and current officials are exploring emergency measures to address both the immediate aftermath and the broader issue of community violence.

Author: Sophia Brooks