8-Year-Old Girl Identified as Victim in California Birthday Party Mass Shooting Just 2 Weeks Before Turning 9

The young girl killed in the mass shooting at a Stockton, California birthday party on November 29 has been identified as Maya Lupian. She was one of four people, including three children, who lost their lives during the tragic event.

Mayas family described her as the most outgoing 8-year-old youd ever meet, noting her academic and extracurricular achievements. She was just two weeks away from celebrating her ninth birthday on December 13. Maya was the light in everyones life, the sweetest soul, the family wrote. She deserved a childhood full of laughter, school days, karate, family time, and dreams not this. We are devastated and heartbroken.

According to her older sister, Yesenia Lupian, Maya leaves behind a loving family, including their parents, two older brothers, two nieces, and many friends and relatives who adored her.

The shooting occurred at a banquet hall where around 100 people had gathered for the birthday of a 2-year-old girl. The children killed in the attack were ages 8, 8, and 14, while a 21-year-old man was also among the victims. Witnesses said gunfire erupted just as attendees were preparing to cut the birthday cake. I actually thought it was my balloons popping. It was gunshots, said Patrice Williams, the birthday girls mother.

Law enforcement has yet to apprehend the suspects, and multiple individuals involved remain at large. The San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office reported that detectives were still on the scene the following morning, processing evidence with help from the California Department of Justice. The ATF and FBI are assisting with the investigation.

Heather Brent, spokesperson for the sheriffs office, emphasized that finding those responsible is the top priority. She also urged the community to unite rather than let the tragedy create division.

Local officials expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee said, A birthday party should never be a place where families fear for their lives. Mayor Christina Fugazi shared that she could not sleep after learning about the shooting and highlighted the lasting trauma inflicted on the children and families involved.

Author: Jackson Miller