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“She Should Have Had a Long Life”: Mother Mourns 8-Year-Old Killed in Stockton Birthday-Party Shooting

An 8-year-old girl, Journey Rose Reotutar Guerrero, was confirmed among four people killed in a Nov. 29 mass shooting at a Stockton banquet hall during a 2-year-old’s birthday celebration. The attack, which occurred just before the cake was to be cut, also killed another 8-year-old, a 14-year-old and a 21-year-old man. Authorities say multiple shooters may be involved and federal agencies are assisting the investigation. Journey’s mother described her as a kind, curious third grader who loved art, gymnastics and dreamed of becoming a doctor.

04:41 AM, 12/04/2025Society
“She Should Have Had a Long Life”: Mother Mourns 8-Year-Old Killed in Stockton Birthday-Party Shooting

The mother of 8-year-old Journey Rose Reotutar Guerrero has confirmed her daughter was one of four people killed in a mass shooting at a Stockton banquet hall on Nov. 29, a tragedy that has left the community reeling.

The shooting occurred during a birthday celebration for a 2-year-old, while roughly 100 people were gathered. Gunfire reportedly erupted moments before attendees were to cut the cake. The victims included two 8-year-olds, a 14-year-old and a 21-year-old man. Local law enforcement has said no arrests have been announced and investigators believe multiple shooters may have been involved. Federal agencies are reported to be assisting the investigation.

Remembering Journey

Journey’s mother, Jacqueline Reotutar, announced her daughter’s death in a GoFundMe post that painted a portrait of a bright, affectionate third grader. “She was a curious and gentle soul who touched many hearts,” the family wrote. Journey loved art, crafting, baking and gymnastics, and she had a wide circle of friends. Her mother said Journey enjoyed trivia and math, dreamed of cheering and hoped one day to follow her older sister and become a doctor so she could help people.

“We all wish we could continue those fun times together [and] be able to see Journey grow and become the beautiful woman she was destined to be,” Jacqueline wrote.

Reotutar, who works as a teacher in the Stockton Unified School District, said Journey is survived by an 18-year-old sister and two brothers, ages 10 and 15. A GoFundMe campaign established by the family is accepting donations to help cover funeral and family expenses.

Community response and investigation

Guests at the party recalled being moments away from cutting the cake when the shooting began. The birthday girl’s mother, Patrice Williams, said she initially thought the noise was balloons popping before realizing it was gunfire. Local leaders have urged residents to come together in support of the grieving families while authorities pursue leads.

“Finding the person or persons who committed this crime is the number one priority,” said a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, urging community cooperation. Stockton’s mayor described being unable to sleep after learning of the deaths and called the trauma facing families and the city “unimaginable.”

As the investigation continues, the community continues to mourn the victims and rally around the families of those lost.

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