In a heartbreaking incident, an 8-year-old girl, remembered as “the light of everyone’s life,” was shot and killed during a birthday party in California just weeks before her 9th birthday, her devastated family reported.
Maya Lupyan, a third-grader from Stockton, was among three children killed in the shooting that took place on Saturday. Altogether, four individuals lost their lives, including a brave 21-year-old man, while 11 others sustained injuries.
“Maya was the most outgoing 8-year-old I’ve ever met,” her sister Yesenia shared on a GoFundMe page. “She had a passion for dancing, singing, and painting, and she held a purple belt in karate. She was just… the kindest soul.”
Tragically, Maya was set to celebrate her 9th birthday only two weeks after this dreadful event.
“She deserved a childhood filled with laughter, school, family time, karate, and all her dreams… but she didn’t get that,” Yesenia lamented. “We were supposed to be celebrating her 9th birthday on December 13th, just two weeks away.”
“Our hearts are broken, and we’re grappling with the impossible as we face unexpected expenses and time away from work,” her sisters expressed. “It’s all so overwhelming as we try to come to terms with such a loss.”
Another child, Journey Rose Leotutar Guerrero, also 8 years old, was identified as a victim. She had been attending her cousin’s birthday party when the gunfire started.
“Journey was always an inspiration to her family,” her mother, Jackie, stated. “She loved trivia and math games and always encouraged everyone around her.”
Jackie described how Journey was growing beautifully, with dreams of becoming a cheerleader and a doctor, following in her sister’s footsteps. “She only wanted to help others,” she said.
In the chaos, a 21-year-old man was hailed a hero for trying to save several children and his girlfriend, quickly ushering them to a closet. He sustained fatal injuries and did not survive.
Susano Archuleta was shot in the neck during the incident and his bravery was acknowledged by family members. His brother, Emmanuel Lopez, shared his heartbreak, saying, “He died in my arms.” Although Lopez’s 9-year-old daughter was also shot, she miraculously survived.
The lone teenage victim was identified as 14-year-old Amari Peterson. His mother said, “My baby was innocent. We were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Who would have thought he wouldn’t come home?”
The ballroom was bustling with over 100 guests when the gunfire erupted as a toddler began cutting her birthday cake. Confusion reigned—some even thought balloons had burst.
One witness, Patrice Williams, recalled how partygoers instinctively fell to the floor. “I don’t know what happened. I’m just in shock,” she said, expressing her disbelief at the sudden violence.
Authorities are still trying to identify a suspect and have indicated that this shooting may be gang-related. Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi condemned the attack as “an act of pure terrorism.”
It’s reported that a rapper named MBnel, who was present at the party, is believed to have been the intended target. His family recounted that he was shot while delivering a gift while his daughter hosted the party, and fortunately, he is recovering.
