The Stockton community is mourning the loss of Maya Lupian, an eight-year-old girl who was fatally shot at a birthday party mass shooting last Saturday that claimed the lives of three others and left 11 injured. Maya, remembered for her vivacious spirit and her love for dance, singing, and karate, would have celebrated her ninth birthday on December 13. Aspire Public Schools, where Maya was a third-grade student, offered their condolences and reassurances of support to her family and the school community. "Aspire said members of the school community may be experiencing grief or other emotional responses in the wake of the tragedy, noting that ‘no one has to navigate them alone,’" as reported by ABC10.
According to a KCRA report, the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office has been vocal about their commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice, with Sheriff Patrick Withrow stating, "Just know that we're coming for you." The victims of this senseless violence included 9-year-old Journey Rose Reotutar Guerrero, and a 21-year-old man identified by family and friends as Susano Archuleta, along with Maya and a 14-year-old boy, Amari Peterson, who was talking to a rapper at the time of the shooting.
In the wake of the tragedy, mental health therapists from Aspire will be providing prioritized services at the school to help students, staff, and families navigate their grief. Families who feel their children may need extra support are encouraged to contact their school team. The school has also facilitated a GoFundMe to assist Maya's family during this difficult time. A separate GoFundMe has also been established for Amari Peterson.
Investigations into the mass shooting continue as authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. A combined reward from the office of Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi, Councilwoman Mariela Ponce, and Crime Stoppers offer $25,000 for tips leading to an arrest. Furthermore, the FBI's Sacramento division is offering an additional $50,000 reward for information that brings the offenders to conviction. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 209-946-0600 to leave an anonymous tip.
