Family Mourns 14-Year-Old Amari Peterson Killed in Stockton Mass Shooting

Tragedy at a Birthday Party

• 💔 Amari Peterson, a 14-year-old, was among the four victims killed in a mass shooting at a toddler's birthday party in Stockton.
• 🎯 The shooting occurred at a banquet hall where about 100 people were gathered, just as the cake was about to be cut.

A Father's Grief

• 😥 Amari's father, Patrick Peterson, expressed his deep sorrow, stating, "I feel so bad about not being able to save him."
• 🎤 Amari had briefly left his parents' side to meet a rapper at the gathering when the gunman opened fire.
• 💥 The shooter, described as a lone gunman with a face mask, appeared to be aiming at the rapper, firing multiple shots into the crowd.

The Aftermath

• 🏃‍♂️ Amidst the chaos, Amari's father grabbed his one-year-old daughter while trying to reach his son.
• 💔 He found Amari, who had been shot once in the chest, struggling to breathe.
• 🏥 Paramedics attempted CPR, but Amari tragically died at the hospital.

Amari's Life and Future

• 🌟 Amari is remembered by his family as outgoing and athletic, and was in the eighth grade.
• 🎓 His parents are devastated, having been in the process of planning his high school future, which is now overshadowed by funeral arrangements.
• 🤕 Amari's 12-year-old sister, Quesani, sustained a graze wound to her arm from a bullet.

Community Support

• 💰 The Peterson family has launched an online fundraiser to help with funeral and other expenses.
• 🔗 A link to the GoFundMe is available on the foxla.com website.