A new week of investigation into the mass shooting that killed four and wounded more than a dozen others in north Stockton opened Monday with a renewed plea from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office for witnesses to come forward.
In a post over the weekend, sheriff’s officials turned to social media to put out a call for information related to the shooting that occurred Nov. 29 at a 2-year-old’s birthday party. The plea followed Sheriff Patrick Withrow’s disclosure last week that although more than 100 people attended the event. Many responses, he said, were “nobody saw anything.”
On Monday, Withrow touted how the Sheriff’s Office has been working in tandem the Stockton Police Department; the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office and its investigations arm; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“Together, we came together as a united front to ensure this investigation moves forward with every available resource,” Withrow said in a post on social media.
The attack left four young people dead: cousins Maya Lupian and Journey Rose Guerrero, both 8; Modesto student-athlete Amari Peterson, 14; and Susano Archuleta, 21, who family says was trying to shield others when he was gunned down.
Reward money for tips connected to the shooting has grown significantly in the last week. The potential total amount for anyone whose information leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the mass shooting jumped to $130,000 and includes contributions from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Stockton Crime Stoppers increased its offer to $55,000, including $10,000 from Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi and $5,000 from City Councilmember Mariela Ponce.
There are multiple ways people can provide tips. Sheriff’s officials suggest calling the department’s non-emergency line at (209) 468-4400 or Stockton Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600. The FBI is accepting information via an online portal. The ATF directs callers to its toll-free tip line at 1-888-283-8477 (ATF TIPS).
A Texas-based nonprofit, the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, is also offering $5,000 and has launched a fundraising campaign for the victims’ families. The organization was created in the wake of the mass shooting at a Uvalde, Texas, elementary school that killed 19 children and two teachers in 2022.
In Stockton, the Sheriff’s Office has yet to identify any suspects in the massacre. While it was revealed that gang members were present at the kid’s party, Withrow has hesitated in saying the shooting is gang-related.
Two men identified in court papers as gang members — Luciano Guerrero, 22, also known as “Nano,” and Billy Williams, 25, known as “Fly Boy Dougy” — were taken into custody for parole violations in the wake of the shooting. Neither has been named as a suspect in the attack.
Allegations against Guerrero include weapons violations. He is facing 37 new charges, many involving gang activity, in addition to his revocation of parole.
Williams also was arrested on a revocation of parole offense, with officials alleging the violation included his being in the presence of children.
Officials have pleaded for calm since the attack, saying retaliation only continues the cycle of violence that has had a grip on Stockton for years.
“When vengeance perpetuates vengeance, we start breeding hatred and anger,” said Genevieve Valentine, director of San Joaquin County’s Health Care Services Agency.
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi has called for state and federal aid as the city navigates the horrific crime and works to bring those responsible to justice.
“I will take assistance from anyone, anyhow, anyway to make our city safe,” she said.
Withrow said the safety of the community remains the top priority for the Sheriff’s Office. Authorities are “working tirelessly to find the animals responsible for this senseless act,” he said.
“Our community deserves answers,” Withrow said, noting that the collaboration with city, county and federal officials “ensures that every resource, tool, and partnership is being leveraged to bring justice to the victims, their families, and our county.”
“We will continue working around the clock — relentlessly and together — until the individuals responsible are found,” he said.
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