STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA – A heartbreaking tragedy has unfolded after a mass shooting at a child's birthday party left three children and one adult dead. The violence erupted just before 6 p.m. inside a banquet hall on the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue near Thornton Road. Among the victims was an 8-year-old girl described as the "light in everyone’s life," who was killed just two weeks before her ninth birthday.
"The Light in Everyone's Life"
Maya Lupian was a third grader who loved to dance, sing, and draw. Her sister Yesenia wrote on a fundraising page that Maya was a purple belt in karate and the "sweetest soul." The family is now planning a funeral instead of the 9th birthday celebration she was supposed to have on December 13.
Her sister expressed the family's devastation, noting that Maya deserved a childhood full of laughter and dreams. Instead, they are now navigating impossible grief and unexpected financial burdens.
Innocent Lives Lost
The violence claimed other innocent lives as well. Journey Rose Reotutar Guerrero, also 8, was at the party celebrating her cousin's birthday. Her mother described her as a smart girl who dreamed of becoming a doctor. Amari Peterson, 14, was also killed in the chaos.
Susano Archuleta, 21, died a hero during the attack. Witnesses say he rushed several children and his girlfriend into a closet to save them from the gunfire. He was shot in the neck and died at the scene.
Gang Ties and a Targeted Rapper
Over 100 people were inside the banquet hall when shots rang out as the birthday girl was cutting her cake. Witnesses initially thought balloons were popping before realizing the danger.
Authorities believe the shooting was gang-related. The father of local rapper MBnel told reporters that his son was the intended target. The rapper was shot in the buttocks while dropping off a gift but survived. Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi condemned the violence as a "complete, cowardly terrorist attack."
Suspect at Large
The alleged gunman fled the scene immediately after the shooting and remains at large. Sheriff’s officials stated that their number one priority is identifying and capturing the suspect. Several local law enforcement agencies have been called in to assist with the ongoing manhunt.
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