Mother grieves for 8-year-old daughter killed in birthday party mass shooting, lamenting that she 'should have had a long life'

The mother of an 8-year-old girl is mourning her daughters tragic death following a mass shooting at a birthday celebration in Stockton, California, on November 29. The attack claimed the lives of three childrentwo 8-year-olds and a 14-year-oldas well as a 21-year-old man.

Authorities have not yet made any arrests and suggest that multiple suspects could be involved in the incident.

The youngest victim of the shooting, which occurred just before the birthday cake was cut at a 2-year-olds party, has been identified as Journey Rose Reotutar Guerrero. Her mother, Jacqueline Reotutar, shared the heartbreaking news on Wednesday through a GoFundMe post, describing Journey as a kind and helpful third grader with many friends who loved school.

Journeys family remembered her as a curious and gentle soul who touched many hearts. She enjoyed art, crafting, baking, and gymnastics, and her mother said she always inspired her family to do their best. A gifted student with a passion for trivia and math, Journey dreamed of becoming a cheerleader and eventually following her sisters path to becoming a doctor, motivated by a desire to help others.

Jacqueline Reotutar, a teacher in the Stockton Unified School District, said Journey had an 18-year-old sister and two brothers, ages 10 and 15. We all wish we could continue those fun times together and see Journey grow into the beautiful young woman she was meant to be, she wrote.

The mass shooting unfolded while approximately 100 people were gathered at a local banquet hall to celebrate a 2-year-olds birthday. Family members told the Associated Press that the first gunshots sounded just as guests 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.

The investigation is ongoing, with local authorities stating that multiple shooters may have been involved. The ATF and FBI are assisting in the case. Finding the person or persons who committed this crime is the number one priority, said Heather Brent, spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office, urging the community to unite in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi expressed her shock on Instagram, admitting she could not sleep after learning about the shooting. She described the trauma experienced by the victims families and the community as unimaginable.

Author: Ava Mitchell