BREAKING NEWS🚨5 MINUTE AGO : Multiple Casualties Reported After Shooting at Children’s Birthday Gathering

Stockton Birthday Party Shooting Leaves Four Dead, Including Three Children, and 13 Injured

Stockton, CA — What was supposed to be a joyful celebration for a 2-year-old’s birthday turned into one of the city’s most heartbreaking tragedies on November 29, 2025. Just before 6 p.m., as guests gathered at the Monkey Space event hall on Lucile Avenue, masked gunmen opened fire, killing four people—including three children—and wounding 13 others. The attack has left families devastated, the community in mourning, and investigators pursuing leads more than four months later.

The party drew roughly 100 people to the banquet hall for an evening of laughter, music, and family togetherness. Balloons, decorations, and a birthday cake awaited the cutting ceremony when gunfire suddenly erupted. Witnesses described initial confusion—some mistaking the rapid popping for fireworks or balloons bursting—before chaos engulfed the room. Parents instinctively shielded children with their bodies, dragged them to safety, or fled through doors and windows. Attendees later recounted applying pressure to wounds with whatever was available and comforting terrified kids as they waited for help.

One witness recalled the terror: sounds that didn’t match celebration quickly gave way to screams and people dropping to the floor. Another described holding a young relative when the shots began, realizing in seconds that this was no accident. Heroic moments emerged amid the horror, with guests trying to protect one another before first responders arrived.

Casualties and Victims

The four killed were:

• Maya Lupian, 8, a third-grader at Aspire APEX Academy described as an outgoing girl who loved baking and books.
• Journey Rose Reotutar Guerrero, 8, attending her cousin’s party.
• Amari Peterson, 14, a Modesto youth basketball and football player.
• Susano Archuleta, 21, who reportedly tried to shield others.

At least 13 others were injured, including several children. Some self-transported to hospitals with graze wounds. Hospitals activated mass-casualty protocols, with staff triaging patients in a rapid influx of trauma cases. Local medical teams worked urgently to stabilize victims, many of whom suffered life-threatening injuries.

The shooting left behind a grim scene: over 50 shell casings from at least five different firearms, bullet holes in walls and doors, blood on the floor near abandoned toys and party remnants. Authorities believe multiple masked shooters in dark clothing carried out what appears to have been a targeted attack that began inside and continued briefly outside. Known gang members were among the attendees, though officials have not confirmed the exact motive.

Emergency Response and Investigation

Police, firefighters, and paramedics responded quickly. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office leads the investigation, assisted by Stockton PD, the FBI, ATF, and other agencies. Detectives have reviewed surveillance video, collected physical evidence, and interviewed witnesses. In January 2026, authorities released photos of two vehicles of interest—a white Honda Accord and a gray Volkswagen—later recovered and processed for evidence.

As of early April 2026, no arrests have been made in the shooting itself. Sheriff Patrick Withrow has expressed optimism that arrests could occur “within the next month or two,” noting that digital and forensic evidence processing is nearing completion before submission to the district attorney. A reward of up to $130,000 remains available for information leading to arrests and convictions. Officials continue to urge anyone with video, tips, or details to come forward anonymously.

Two men initially detained at the scene for parole violations (including the birthday girl’s father, a local rapper) were not considered suspects in the shooting and have since been released on time served.

Community Impact and Healing

The tragedy struck particularly hard because it shattered a space meant for innocence and family joy. Children witnessed or experienced violence that experts say can cause lasting trauma—fear of loud noises, anxiety, sleep issues, and behavioral changes. Schools and mental health professionals offered counseling to students, staff, and families. Community centers hosted gatherings for prayer, support, and shared grief. Volunteers provided food, transportation to hospitals, and emotional aid.

City leaders, including the mayor, expressed sorrow and called for unity while emphasizing public safety. Vigils, fundraisers, and offers of counseling services emerged in the days and weeks following. Stockton, no stranger to violence, still reeled from an event that claimed young lives at a toddler’s party.

Broader discussions about gun violence, community safety, mental health resources, and addressing root causes of targeted attacks have resurfaced. Yet for those directly affected, the focus remains personal: mourning lost children and a young adult, supporting the injured, and seeking justice.

What’s Next

The investigation remains active and fluid. Forensic analysis continues, with officials promising transparency as facts are confirmed. Families await full notifications and closure, while the wider Stockton community grapples with shock and resilience.

This event underscores the fragility of everyday celebrations and the deep wounds left when violence invades them. As authorities pursue those responsible, residents and leaders emphasize solidarity, support for affected families, and hope that accountability will come soon. In the meantime, the city honors the victims and works toward healing—one step at a time.