Family identifies 21‑year‑old killed in Stockton mass shooting at child’s birthday party

Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised

STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA: Patricia Flores identified her nephew, 21-year-old Susano Archuleta, as one of those who were killed in Stockton at a child’s birthday party on Saturday, November 29. 

As per Flores, the birthday party was his friend’s daughter's, but the celebration took a turn when a suspected gang-related shooting reportedly left four dead and 11 injured. 

Patricia Flores’ niece heard gunshots and waited for them to pass

Patricia Flores told CBS News that her niece and her toddlers were also at the party but were in the bathroom when the shooting started. She assumed that her niece “heard shots” and stayed put until she couldn’t hear anything.

Flores expressed frustration over the Stockton mass shooting, wondering why anyone would take their anger out on “innocent people” who had nothing to do with the issue.

“He is going to be missed. He will definitely be missed,” Flores said of her late nephew. 

Flores further spoke about her church holding a prayer vigil for the lives lost and said that it gave her “hope.”

“It makes me feel like the family is not alone,” she added.

Susano was not the only member of the family who was shot at the party. Emmanuel Lopez, Archuleta’s brother, told the LA Times that his 9-year-old daughter was shot in the head but survived.

Speaking of his brother, he said that Susano died in his arms. He further said that his brother was “full of life and energy.”

Stockton’s sheriff urges witnesses to come forward

On Sunday evening, San Joaquin County’s Sheriff Patrick Withrow urged people to come forward.

He said that it was time for the community to come together to showcase strength. He also claimed that Stockton needed to show that they would not put up with “this type of behavior,” where people could “just walk in and kill children.”

While asking people to come forward, he said that anyone who was keeping information was being “complacent” and accepted the behavior. 

Heather Brent, the spokesperson for the Sheriff’s department, revealed that she believed it was a “targeted incident,” but was unsure of who the assailants were.

“They walked into this area, and were probably looking for someone in particular. Why they did that, what they’re part of, who they are, we don’t know,” Withrow added.

After the shooting, the Stockton police department reportedly arrested five people, including a minor, for charges related to conspiracy, gang-related, and weapons.