Children Among Victims in Stockton Birthday Party Shooting

Authorities in Stockton, California, have arrested a 22-year-old man who attended the birthday party where gunmen opened fire last weekend, killing four people, including three children. The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office confirmed Friday that Luciano Guerrero was taken into custody earlier in the week, though prosecutors emphasized he is not a suspect in the mass shooting.

Guerrero was arrested Monday on a parole violation related to his presence at the scene, according to the DA’s office. He had been on parole following a 2023 conviction for carrying a loaded firearm as an active gang member and reckless evasion. Court records show he is currently being held without bail on 37 charges. The sheriff’s office clarified those charges are remanded counts from previous cases, with the parole violation the only new allegation. Guerrero appeared in court Thursday and is scheduled to return on December 11.

The arrest comes as investigators continue a widening search for the individuals responsible for the deadly shooting at a child’s birthday celebration inside a banquet hall at a strip mall shopping center. Authorities say as many as 100 to 150 people were gathered Saturday evening for a 2-year-old’s party when gunfire erupted shortly after 6 p.m.

Three Children Among the Victims

Officials identified the victims as 8-year-old Maya Lupian, a third grader and karate student who was two weeks away from her 9th birthday; a 9-year-old child; 14-year-old Amari Peterson, remembered by family as a “gentle soul”; and a 21-year-old man.

A total of 13 people were injured, including children and adults. At least three victims were treated at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center, where one adult underwent surgery and a 9-year-old was listed in fair condition. Additional patients were transported to Sutter Memorial Hospital in Modesto.

“This was supposed to be a joyful event,” said Heather Brent with the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. “Early indications are that this may have been a targeted shooting, but we have not identified a suspect or made any arrests.”

Community Grieves as Investigation Expands

The shooting prompted a large multi-agency response, with the FBI and ATF now assisting local investigators. A reward for information leading to an arrest has risen to more than $100,000 as authorities plead for community help.

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi urged residents to come forward. “Families should be together instead of at the hospital praying their loved ones survive,” she said. “If you know something, please call Crime Stoppers. You can remain anonymous.”

Outside the banquet hall, community members gathered in prayer, standing near bullet holes that remain visible on the building’s exterior. Witnesses described chaos as partygoers attempted to flee.

“I heard well over 20 gunshots,” said witness Brent Terill. “People were running, screaming, parents shouting for their kids.”
Another neighbor, Priscilla Salas, said she saw first responders attempting CPR on multiple victims. “It brought a tear to my eye. It hit me hard.”

While investigators have not confirmed a motive or whether gang activity played a role, one neighbor told local media he believed the shooting was targeted. “These youngsters don’t care. Everyone gets it,” he said.

Venue May Close Permanently

The man who leases the banquet hall told the Sacramento Bee he has no plans to reopen. “There’s no business there anymore,” he said. “It’s a memorial.”

Officials say the focus remains on finding those responsible. “This tragedy is unthinkable,” said San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas. “We are doing everything possible to bring the individuals responsible to justice.”

The shooting marks one of the deadliest mass casualty incidents Stockton has faced in recent years. The city of 320,000, located about 45 miles south of Sacramento, continues to grapple with the impact on families preparing for funerals instead of celebrating the holiday season.

With suspects still at large, officials are urging anyone with video, security footage, or information to come forward.

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