Stockton Grapples With Tragedy As Families And Leaders Call For Action

STOCKTON — This city with a long-standing reputation for crime, particularly violent crime, is once again mourning after a Nov. 29 mass shooting killed four young people and wounded 11 others.

The tragedy has left families, friends, and the wider community struggling to cope with grief and demanding action.

Among the victims was 14-year-old Amari Peterson, a promising student-athlete from Modesto, whom his father, Patrick, described as his best friend.

“People keep telling me he’s with me, in my heart,” Patrick Peterson said. “But I don’t see him. I don’t feel him. It’s like a nightmare.”

Amari’s loss has left his family emotionally adrift. “Some days I wake up and I don’t know what to do,” Peterson said. “The whole world feels sorry for me, and it’s just crazy. This is something I have to live with for the rest of my life, and it’s really tough on me. We’re getting a lot of prayers and hugs, but physically, day to day, it’s really hard — especially for me.

“And I don’t care about the money. Money comes and goes. I just want my son back. We need all the help we can get right now — mental health help, financial help, whatever it is. Not just for me, but to keep my son’s name alive, and to help prevent something like this from ever happening again. I need that help too, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.”

Speaking at a community gathering, Rev. William DeArmond, pastor at Hilliard AME Zion Church who is also a father, addressed Stockton’s broader grief and an urgent call for action.

“I stand here today with a heavy heart — so heavy that I hardly know what to say — but also with a determined spirit,” he said. “Let me be clear: I do not stand here only as a pastor. I do not stand here only as a chaplain. Today, I stand here as a father of two sons. I brought my son with me because this is where change begins. Our children must see it. Our community must see it. The city must confront it.”

DeArmond emphasized the shared vulnerability of the community.

“It could have been any of us. It could have been your child — your son, your daughter — at a football game, at a recital, at church, at a mall, at a park. And truth be told, it still could be our babies,” he said. “That is the heartbreaking reality we face in Stockton today. And let me speak plainly: we are tired of burying our children.”

Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee also called for unity, accountability, and support for families.

“Over the last several days, since learning of the mass shooting that impacted so many families in our city, I have been devastated,” Lee said. “Stockton is a resilient community, but we have endured decades of violent crime that continues to show up as trauma in our neighborhoods. As someone who was shot in this city and who watched my own brother get murdered here, this tragedy hits home in a deeply personal way.”

Lee met privately with parents and relatives of the victims, including Amari’s mother, offering condolences and support.

“Amari, the two other young kids, and the young man brutally murdered all deserved to live their fullest life. Their families are shattered, and our community is grieving with them,” he said.

Following coverage by syndicated radio show “The Breakfast Club,” the story reached entertainment executive Wack 100, who connected Lee with internationally acclaimed artist Burna Boy. Deeply moved by the tragedy, Burna Boy offered to cover the funeral costs for all of the young victims.

“When I heard about the children murdered in Stockton, my heart broke,” Burna Boy said. “I wanted to do whatever I could to support these parents as they begin the long process of healing.”

Lee called on Stockton to unite behind public safety officials and elected leaders.

“I remain committed to supporting our public safety officers — Sheriff Patrick Withrow, Chief Stanley McFadden, and every officer doing the hard work every day to keep our community safer,” Lee said. “I also want to reaffirm my full support for District Attorney Ron Freitas and his unwavering commitment to hold those responsible accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Their collective leadership at this moment is critical, and I stand firmly behind their efforts to deliver justice for these families.”

He also stressed the responsibility elected officials hold to prevent future violence.

“As elected officials, we have a responsibility to always prioritize the resources and opportunities we can secure and create for young people and their families,” he said. “Supporting our youth, their education, and their safety is critical if we are to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.”

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