A shooting at a toddler’s birthday party in Stockton, California, has left a community in shock after four people were killed and at least 11 others injured. On Saturday evening, the attack developed at a historic Independence Day banquet hall. At least 100 guests had come to celebrate a two-year-old’s birthday. At least three of the victims were named as an eight-year-old girl, a 14-year-old boy and 21-year-old man. Such hopeful lives cut short, their grieving families have named them.
Maya Lupian, the youngest victim, was described by her sister as “the most outgoing eight-year-old you’d ever meet.” Maya tragically would have been turning nine years old later this month. Her family is devastated by her loss. My heart goes out to each person affected by this tragedy, including the innocence stolen from what should have been a joyful celebration.
Amari Peterson, 14, was the other victim while he survived, being shot in the upper chest just above the heart. His sister, Mariella, 10, was injured in the shooting as well, grazed by a bullet as mayhem broke out at the celebration. The family is coming to terms with the trauma inflicted on them and the loss of their beloved son and brother.
Susano Archuleta, 21, was shot but survived after being hit in the neck. Tragically, he died of those injuries in the arms of his brother, Emmanuel Lopez. Lopez called his brother “the life of the party, full of life and energy.” In closing, he reflected on the amazing effect Susano had on all the lives around them. The emotional impact of this loss will be borne by many family and friends. They had gathered here to celebrate the beauty of life, but what unfolded was a horrible tragedy.
The violence erupted just after 6 p.m. local time when the gunfire shattered a celebratory mood. Attendees said they heard about 15 shots ring out before panic set in. Patrick Peterson, Amari’s father, recounted his terrifying experience that day. “Shooter came in.” —an 11-year-old boy telling what he experienced in his school, the latest target of gun violence. He described a frantic scene where he attempted to save his son: “All I can see is my son crawling on the ground and me trying to resuscitate him.”
As more information has come to light, former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs discussed the emotional toll the aftermath of the shooting. He stated, “She’s in deep mourning because she saw those babies, as she called them, murdered next to her, around her.” His statements express the heartfelt sentiments of thousands of mourning families. They ring true with community members still reeling from the violence that marred what should have been a day of celebration.
This tragic act is the 17th mass killing in the United States this year, per the Mass Shooting Tracker. The increasing frequency of these events has ignited debates over gun regulation and community security around the country. Local law enforcement authorities have released very little information and said they’re investigating the shooting. Their goal is to find the shooter and the motive behind this horrible act of violence.