Three children among four shot dead at birthday party in Stockton
Authorities have confirmed the ages of the victims in the November 29 mass shooting in Stockton, California that left four dead, including three children.
The horrific incident unfolded at a children’s birthday party during what authorities said may have been a “targeted” attack committed by multiple people.
The victims were eight, nine, 14 and 21 years old, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed. Eleven others were injured in the shooting, which unfolded at a restaurant in Stockton.
The restaurant in question, called Monkey Space, saw friends and family come together to celebrate a little girl’s second birthday.
Patrice Williams, mother of the birthday girl, has since broken her silence, revealing that gunfire broke out as the guests had gathered to cut the birthday cake. She spoke of the initial shock, with some people dropping to the floor while others stood frozen in confusion. Williams’ first thought was that it was balloons popping.
“I just want to say I’m sorry to all the mothers out there that lost their kids at my birthday party,” Williams told ABC 7.
Multiple members of her own family were injured, including her daughter’s dad’s niece, her sister, her cousin, her son’s friend, and three of her friends. A father of her friend’s baby, meanwhile, was among the fallen.
Speaking on the shooter (or shooters) – who at this time remain on the loose – Williams said, as per CNN: “They deserve to be in jail. They deserve to go to hell. I’m sorry, but I just … it’s not respectable. It’s a kids’ party.”
Those who were killed were identified by family members as 8-year-old Journey Rose Reotutar Guerrero, 8-year-old Maya Lupian, 14-year-old Amari Peterson and 21-year-old Susano Archuleta.
A GoFundMe page has since been established for Peterson, describing him as a “bright, loved, and promising young soul whose life was taken far too soon by a senseless act of violence.”
Archulet’s brother, Emmanuel Lopez, told the LA Times that his sibling had been hit in the neck and died at the scene.
“I’m just upset right now. My brother died in my arms,” Lopez said.
Multiple community organizations and law enforcement agencies are offering separate rewards totaling $80,000 for information relating to the suspect(s). The FBI announced this week that is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information that leads to the suspects’ capture.
In the hours following the shooting, speculation emerged online suggesting that rapper MBnel had been present at the party, alleging he could have been the target.
The artist’s father, Junior Dongon, told The Post that his son had been shot in the incident. As per reports, MBnel moved away from Stockton years ago due to fears for his safety fueled by several violent incidents, including one where his parents’ home was shot by 22 bullets.
On November 29, MBnel returned to the area and came to the birthday party to meet fellow rappers, one of whom was the birthday girl’s father. His intention, it’s said, was to drop off a gift and then leave.
MBnel and his wife survived the shooting and are now in hiding.
“My daughter-in-law was hit in the butt,” Dongon said. “We are worried. I’m worried about my wife, but I can’t do anything about it.”
Stockton’s Mayor Christina Fugazi labeled the shooting “unacceptable”, adding: “Families should be together instead of at the hospital, standing next to their loved one, praying that they survive.”
“[A] birthday party should never be a place where families fear for their lives,” Deputy Mayor Jason Lee wrote on social media.
Rest in peace to those who lost their lives in this mindless tragedy.
