Mother says shooters ‘deserve to go to hell’ after Stockton birthday celebration massacre

Stockton child’s birthday party ended in a deadly shooting with four killed as witnesses recalled chaos, leaving families devastated
UPDATED DEC 2, 2025
Pastor Sergio Acedo stood with a group praying near the scene of a shooting that killed four and wounded 11 on Sunday, November 30, in Stockton, California (Getty Images)
Pastor Sergio Acedo stood with a group praying near the scene of a shooting that killed four and wounded 11 on Sunday, November 30, in Stockton, California (Getty Images)

Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised

STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA: A 2-year-old child’s birthday party turned tragic earlier this week when someone opened fire and reportedly killed four individuals and wounded 11.

The mother of the child, Patrice Williams, spoke to the New York Post on Tuesday, December 2, about the same and said that the culprits deserved to “go to hell.” 

At Least 4 Dead, 10 Wounded After Shooting At Child's Birthday Party In Stockton, California
STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 30: Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi stands at a vigil for the victims of a shooting on November 30, 2025 in Stockton, California. (Photo by Benjamin Fanjoy/Getty Images)
At Least 4 Dead, 10 Wounded After Shooting At Child's Birthday Party In Stockton, California STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 30 (Benjamin Fanjoy/Getty Images)

Patrice Williams reeling from shock of an ‘unexpected’ tragedy 

While speaking with the New York Post, Patrice Williams revealed that her daughter was cutting her birthday cake when the shots went off.

However, she initially didn’t understand what was happening. Williams said she thought her balloons were popping, but later realized the sound she heard was from gunshots. 

“It was just unexpected. I don’t know what happened, and I’m just so shocked and lost,” she added.

Williams also stated that she didn’t get a good look at the shooters and was unsure why they would target a child’s birthday party. However, she heavily condemned their actions, saying that they deserved to be in jail.

Law enforcement responds to the scene of a shooting on November 30, 2025 in Stockton, California. A suspect is still at large after four people were killed and 11 were wounded in a shooting during a family gathering at a banquet hall. (Photo by Benjamin Fanjoy/Getty Images)
Law enforcement responds to the scene of a shooting on November 30, 2025 in Stockton, California (Benjamin Fanjoy/Getty Images)

“They deserve to go to hell,” she added. 

She also said that it was “not respectable” because it was a “kids’ party.” 

Father of victim recalls Stockton shooting

(GoFundMe)
Amari Peterson, one of the children killed on November 30, 2025, in Stockton, California (GoFundMe)

Amari Peterson was a 14-year-old boy who was shot and killed during the party on Sunday. Peterson’s father, Patrick, spoke to KTVU about the attack and recalled the moment the gunshots went off.

“It was like pop, pop, pop, pop, pop,” he said.

He added that he was standing there looking around when he saw a lone gunman wearing a mask firing multiple shots. He added that it looked like the culprit was allegedly aiming for a rapper present at the party.

Patrick Peterson further told the outlet that he felt so bad that he wasn’t able to save Amari, as he recalled his son being shot in the chest. Peterson detailed his late son’s injuries, noting that Amari was “gasping for air” and trying to breathe. 

San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office Press Information Officer Heather Brent makes remarks during a press conference near the scene of a shooting on November 30, 2025 in Stockton, California. A suspect is still at large after four people were killed and 11 were wounded in a shooting during a family gathering at a banquet hall. (Photo by Benjamin Fanjoy/Getty Images)
San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office Press Information Officer Heather Brent makes remarks during a press conference near the scene of a shooting on November 30, 2025, in Stockton, California (Benjamin Fanjoy/Getty Images)

Patrick’s younger daughter, who is one year old, was also present at the party but was not injured in the attack. Kaesanii, Amari’s other sister, was also injured but managed to escape the shooting from the back door. 

The rapper MBnel said that he was only at the party to drop off a present for his friend’s daughter, the birthday girl. He revealed that his son was shot, but was doing well. 

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