They Were Just Kids: Stockton Mourns as Manhunt Intensifies
On December 2, 2025 by Karissa Hernandez
Stockton, CA (December 2, 2025) — A memorial of flowers and candles now stands outside the Stockton banquet hall where a November 29 mass shooting occurred during a child’s birthday party. Four people were killed, including three children, and 11 others were injured. Residents have continued to gather at the site as law enforcement agencies conduct a coordinated search for those responsible.
Federal, state, and local agencies are jointly investigating the shooting. The FBI’s Sacramento field office is assisting the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, along with Stockton police, Manteca police, the California Department of Justice, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The FBI has offered a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to an arrest or conviction. Local officials and Stockton Crime Stoppers have contributed additional reward funds, bringing the total to at least $75,000 for credible information.
Investigators say multiple suspects are believed to have been involved, and early assessments indicate the attack was targeted rather than random. Evidence gathered so far suggests the shooting began inside the banquet hall and continued outside as guests attempted to flee. A motive has not been confirmed. Law enforcement agencies report receiving numerous tips through hotlines and online portals, and every lead is being reviewed. No arrests have been made directly in connection with the mass shooting as of the most recent updates.
The victims killed in the attack were three children, ages 8, 9, and 14, and a 21-year-old man. Family members identified the 14-year-old victim as Amari Peterson, a local student who was active in sports. The adult victim has been identified as Susano Archuleta. The names of the younger victims have not been publicly released by authorities. One of the children attended a Stockton Unified School District elementary school, and school officials arranged counseling services for affected students and families.
A GoFundMe has been set up in Amari’s name. The landing page of the GoFundMe describes Amari as a “bright, loved, and promising young soul whose life was taken far too soon by a senseless act of violence.”
Amari Peterson
“Amari was a football player, a basketball player, a brother, son, and cousin. He was making plans and looking into colleges of choice. He was NOT involved in any gang activity. The only mistake this sweet boy made was being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was simply being a kid at a kids’ party.”
Maya Lupian
8-Year-Old Maya Lupian was also identified as a victim of the shooting. According to the GoFundMe set up for her, “She was a 3rd grader at Aspire Apex Academy, where she excelled in academics and extracurricular activities… She was a purple belt in karate… Maya was the light of everyone’s life, the sweetest soul.”
Among those injured, the surviving victims range in age from 8 to about 30. Several have been released from local hospitals, while others continue to receive medical care. According to law enforcement, approximately 100 to 150 people were inside the banquet hall at the time of the shooting, making this one of the most severe mass-casualty incidents in Stockton in recent years.
Local and state officials have expressed condolences and pledged continued support for the investigation. City leaders are coordinating with state and federal partners to secure resources and assistance. Community organizations and anti-violence groups have encouraged witnesses to submit any video evidence, photographs, or information to investigators. Mental-health services and outreach are being made available for families and community members affected by the tragedy.
Community members are stepping up with their own acts of kindness, turning grief into solidarity. Nigerian music star Burna Boy has offered to cover funeral expenses for the four victims, and his representatives have already reached out to local officials to extend support. At the same time, Stockton residents are showing their own compassion at the memorial site, where one woman placed 50 bouquets of flowers and others followed with candles, stuffed animals, and handwritten messages.
The investigation remains active. Authorities advise that additional information will be released when verified, and they continue to urge anyone with credible details about the shooting to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office or the FBI tip line.
San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO) has asked anyone with information to report tips, an online submission can be made here. Their non-emergency number is (209) 468-4400.
Alternatively, Stockton Crime Stoppers remains a public channel for anonymous tips; their tip line is (209) 946-0600.
