The Stockton birthday party shooting turned a joyful family celebration into tragedy on November 29, 2025. Gunfire erupted during a 2-year-old girl’s birthday party at an event hall near Stockton, leaving four people dead—including three children—and injuring 13 others. As of March 2026, no arrests have been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The celebration was held at Monkey Space event hall on Lucile Avenue in unincorporated San Joaquin County. About 80 to 100 guests attended the afternoon gathering, which began around 3 p.m. Just before the birthday cake was served at approximately 6 p.m., gunfire suddenly erupted. Witnesses initially believed the sounds were fireworks, but panic quickly spread as people realized shots were being fired. Guests dove for cover while parents shielded their children. Investigators later recovered more than 50 shell casings from the scene and determined that several firearms had been used. Authorities believe multiple masked shooters may have been involved, and early evidence suggested the attack might have been targeted.
Four victims lost their lives: 8-year-old Maya Lupian, 8-year-old Journey Rose Reotutar Guerrero, 14-year-old Amari Peterson, and 21-year-old Susano Archuleta. Thirteen other victims were wounded but survived, and all had been released from hospitals by mid-December 2025. The investigation is being led by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office with support from federal authorities. Officials have offered a $130,000 reward for information leading to arrests. Community members continue to hold vigils and call for justice while investigators work to identify those responsible for the attack.
