Crime
FOUR VICTIMS IDENTIFIED IN STOCKTON CHILD’S BIRTHDAY PARTY MASS SHOOTING
Three Children and One Adult Killed; Seventeen Total Victims Confirmed as Investigation Intensifies
A child’s birthday celebration in Stockton, California, turned into a horrific tragedy on November 29, when multiple armed assailants opened fire inside a crowded home on Lucile Avenue.
Four people—including three children—were killed, and at least 13 others were wounded in what authorities describe as one of the region’s most devastating mass shootings in years.
Among those killed was 14-year-old Amari Peterson, who had been attending the celebration at a local banquet hall.
His mother, Kim Peterson, expressed profound grief as she spoke to the Stockton Record, describing her son as “at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“My baby was innocent,” she said. “Who would have known my baby wasn’t gonna come home with me?”
Amari was remembered as a respectful, compassionate teenager with a strong love for sports, particularly basketball and football. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help the family with funeral expenses.
The shooting also claimed the life of 21-year-old Susano Archuleta, who was attending the party to celebrate a friend’s daughter.
His aunt, Patricia Flores, told CBS Sacramento that the family is devastated by his loss and described him as deeply loved by all who knew him.
Two additional child victims were identified as an 8-year-old student from Aspire APEX Academy and a 9-year-old girl, both of whom succumbed to their injuries at the scene or shortly after the attack.
The family of 8-year-old Maya Lupian confirmed her death and shared personal tributes and photographs. Relatives said Maya was killed when multiple masked gunmen stormed the gathering, reportedly targeting members of a local rap group.
According to investigators, the assailants opened fire in an attempt to target individuals associated with the “Muddy Boyz,” including rapper MBNel, who was shot but survived. The long-standing feud between the “Muddy Boyz” and rival group “Everybody Killers,” or EBK, has been the focus of speculation; however, EBK members have publicly denied involvement.
Maya’s sister, Yesenia, released a heartbreaking statement:
“Maya was the most outgoing 8-year-old you’d ever meet… She was a purple belt in karate, a dancer, a singer, an artist. She deserved a childhood full of laughter, school, and dreams—not this.”
Maya was set to celebrate her 9th birthday in just two weeks. Her family expressed overwhelming grief and requested prayers, shares, and donations as they navigate their loss.
The family of 9-year-old Journey Rose Reotutar Guerrero also confirmed her death, releasing a public statement honoring her life.
Journey was described as a bright, gentle third grader at Commodore Stockton Skills School who loved art, baking, gymnastics, and helping others.
Her mother, Jackie Reotutar, wrote:
“Journey was growing up beautifully and should have had a long life where she could learn and play as much as she pleased… She wanted to be a doctor like her sister. She wanted to help people.”
Journey leaves behind three siblings who shared a close bond with her.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two additional victims who initially fled the scene have since been located, bringing the total number of victims to 17 people.
- 4 killed (three children ages 8, 9, and 14, and one adult)
- 13 injured, several critically
One victim remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
The gunmen are still at large.
No arrests have been made, and investigators have not publicly identified suspects. Authorities warn that individuals harboring or assisting the shooters may face charges for aiding and abetting.
The FBI Sacramento Field Office, in coordination with the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, has announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of those responsible.
The FBI is urging anyone with videos, photos, or information to come forward immediately.
Internationally acclaimed artist Burna Boy has offered to cover funeral expenses for the victims. The Grammy-winning singer has a history of philanthropic work and expressed condolences to the grieving families.
Locally, grief support efforts are underway. Aspire APEX Academy, where Maya Lupian was a student, deployed more than 20 counselors to provide emotional support to students and staff. In a public statement, the school expressed deep sorrow, describing Maya as “the sweetest soul” and affirming its commitment to ongoing care for the affected community.
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi condemned the violence and said the city needs expanded federal resources to combat entrenched gang activity. She revealed that Stockton has confiscated 752 illegal firearms in 2025—an increase from 610 in 2024—and noted that even with declining homicide rates, more must be done.
Mayor Fugazi is formally requesting that Stockton be designated a pilot site for a federal Community Impact Program, bringing multi-agency support from:
- Department of Justice
- Department of Education
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Department of Labor
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Transportation
- Department of Treasury
- Department of Commerce
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Department of the Interior
“I am calling on the full power of the federal government—not only to stop crime but to prevent it before it starts,” the mayor said.
As families prepare for multiple funerals, the Stockton community continues to grapple with the magnitude of the violence.
The deaths of three young children and a young father have shaken residents and reignited urgent calls for solutions to gang-related crime.
Counseling services, vigils, and community support efforts are ongoing.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.