STOCKTON, Calif. — An 8-year-old girl was among four people fatally shot during a mass shooting at a child’s birthday celebration, an event that has left a profound impact on the community. The girl, identified as Maya Lupian, was tragically killed when gunfire erupted on November 29 at a banquet hall located at Lucile Avenue and Thornton Road. Her family shared their grief through a crowdfunding campaign, detailing her vibrant nature and expressing their heartbreak at her untimely death.
Family members remembered Maya as “the light in everyone’s life,” emphasizing the joy she brought during her short time. They expressed that she deserved a childhood filled with happiness, rather than the violence that took it away from her days before her ninth birthday, which would have been on December 13.
The shooting also claimed the lives of a 9-year-old, a 14-year-old boy, and a 21-year-old man, raising the count of injured to 11 others. Witnesses reported chaos as multiple shooters opened fire at the gathering, leaving families reeling from the trauma. Patrick Peterson, father of 14-year-old Amari Peterson, described the harrowing moment when his son was shot while conversing with a rapper. Amari succumbed to his injuries after being transported to the hospital. A fundraising effort has been established to support his family in their time of need.
The 21-year-old victim has been identified as Susano Archuleta, while the identity of the 9-year-old victim remains undisclosed. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, which is leading the investigation, has expressed confidence in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the crime.
Sheriff Patrick Withrow assured the community that law enforcement is dedicated to holding the perpetrators accountable. “There’s nothing you can do now. You’ve already created this havoc,” he declared, urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward.
In a bid to encourage public assistance in the ongoing investigation, Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi announced a $25,000 reward for tips leading to arrests. This initiative is supplemented by contributions from Crime Stoppers and Councilwoman Mariela Ponce’s office. Additionally, the FBI’s Sacramento division has put forth a separate $50,000 reward aimed at ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
As the community grapples with the impact of this tragic event, there is a palpable sense of urgency to bring those responsible to justice. Local authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 209-946-0600. The echoes of this tragedy will resonate through Stockton as families continue to seek healing and closure in the aftermath of such senseless violence.