A community in mourning has rallied to support the family of Amari Peterson, a 14-year-old boy killed in a mass shooting that killed three other people and injured 11 others at a children’s birthday party in Stockton over the weekend.
A verified GoFundMe campaign, titled “Help Amari’s Family Through This Tragedy,” was launched Monday to assist with funeral expenses for the teen, whom his family described as a “gentle soul” with a passion for football and basketball.
As of Tuesday morning, $36,500 has been raised for Amari. Donations to the Peterson family can be made via the GoFundMe platform.
Amari was one of four people killed Saturday night when assailants opened fire at a banquet hall on Lucile Avenue in the Sherwoods Manor neighborhood. The shooting also claimed the lives of an 8-year-old, a 9-year-old, and a 21-year-old.
“The only mistake this sweet boy made was being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Amari’s family wrote in the fundraiser appeal. “He was simply being a kid at a kids’ party.”
Eleven others were wounded in the deadly attack.
Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden issued a strongly worded statement condemning the violence as “evil” and pledging that the department would not rest until justice is served.
“What happened in our city is heartbreaking beyond measure,” McFadden said in a statement on social media. “Children were taken from their families. Parents are waking up to a nightmare that will never end.”
“As a parent myself, it’s impossible not to feel this pain deeply,” he added.
Police have urged anyone with information to contact Stockton Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600, emphasizing that tipsters can remain anonymous.
