Sheriff Patrick Withrow has revealed the true scale of the horrific violence that occurred at a child’s birthday party in Stockton during the November 29 massacre.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff revealed that masked gunmen fired at least 50 rounds from five different firearms during the attack, killing four people and injuring 11 others. The sheriff disclosed the news at a press conference, warning the community that arrests could be months away.
“It’s going to take several months to process all of this and find out who did this,” Withrow said.
With bullet casings scattered on the banquet hall floor, a two-year-old child was about to cut his birthday cake when gunshots rang out. The victims included three children: Maya Lupian, 8; Journey Rose Reotutar Guerrero, 8; and Amari Peterson, 14, and Susano Archuleta, 21.
Willow confirmed that “at least 50 rounds were fired” during the attack. “We have determined that at least five different firearms were discharged at this birthday party that resulted in the deaths of three innocent children and one young man.”
The gunmen were all wearing black clothing and masks, making them almost impossible to identify.
“The only information we have so far from people on scene is that the people involved in this incident were wearing black clothing and face coverings, so that’s all you can see,” Willow said, pointing to his eyes.
But the sheriff suggested investigators already have leads.
“That doesn’t mean we don’t know who they are or don’t believe we know who they are,” he said. “We just need to follow the evidence as to who was at the scene and who did this heinous thing.”
Guns were found on the banquet hall’s roof, but officials have not yet determined whether they are related to the attack. Investigators are also trying to determine where the gunfire came from and whether any partygoers fired back.
The attack shocked Stockton’s hip-hop community. Rapper Fly Boy Doughy, who attended a party with MBNel, described chaotic conditions in the prison where he was being held for a parole violation.
“I started running after all the kids I saw falling, and I started picking them up,” he said.
The investigation involves multiple agencies, including the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the U.S. Department of Justice and Stockton police. Officers are responding to more than 50 tips from the public.
Patrick Peterson made an emotional plea for information after his 14-year-old son Amari was killed.
“I hope you do the right thing because at the end of the day, if you don’t do the right thing, this is going to keep happening,” he said.
Withrow confirmed that known gang members attended the birthday party but did not elaborate on a potential motive. After the shooting, Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi called for federal assistance to combat gang violence.
“We’re talking about babies, kids,” she said. “We’re talking about cutting the cake when the bullets go off.”
