Stockton, California — A tragic shooting at a children’s birthday party over the weekend has left four individuals dead, including three children, and has raised concerns about gang violence in the community. The violence erupted on Saturday as attendees were preparing to cut the birthday cake, resulting in more than a dozen injuries and chaos as people scrambled for safety.
Among the victims was 14-year-old Amari Peterson. His father, Patrick Peterson, stated that the gunman was likely targeting rapper MBnel, whose real name is Johnel Dongon. The rapper survived the attack but was injured. “He started letting off shots and people were scrambling,” Patrick told a local news outlet. MBnel had returned to Stockton to drop off a gift for a friend’s daughter when the shooting occurred.
Junior Dongon, MBnel’s father, confirmed his son’s injuries but assured that he is recovering. “He called me to say, ‘Don’t say anything to anybody,’” the elder Dongon said. The rapper, known for tracks like “Feelings” and “Opulent,” has built a significant online presence, with hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of listens on Spotify.
Another survivor of the chaos, local activist Jasmine Delafosse, is also expected to make a full recovery. Former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs shared her account of the traumatic experience. “She talked about the pain of being shot and witnessing the loss of young lives,” Tubbs remarked. Delafosse expressed condolences for the families affected by the shooting, emphasizing the profound impact the incident has had on the community.
Amari’s mother, Kimberly Pangnanouvong, spoke to the media about her son’s tragic death. “My baby was innocent,” she said, reflecting on their misfortune. “We were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.” She remembered Amari’s enthusiasm for sports and the love he shared with his family and friends. A GoFundMe has been established to assist with his funeral expenses.
Tragically, the eight-year-old victim was a student in the Stockton Unified School District, while 21-year-old Susano Archuleta also fell victim to the gunfire, according to family members. Police are actively investigating the incident but have not yet made any arrests or named potential suspects.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event, the call for increased safety measures and discussions surrounding gang violence are gaining momentum. The profound loss felt by the families and friends of the victims is a stark reminder of the impact of gun violence on innocent lives.