Burna Boy Pays Funeral Costs for Children Killed in Stockton Mass Shooting
Nigerian singer Burna Boy has offered to pay funeral expenses for all four victims killed in a mass shooting at a children’s birthday party in Stockton, California. The Grammy Award-winning artist, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, announced his decision after learning about the tragedy through a United States radio program.
The shooting occurred on Saturday, November 29, at approximately 6 p.m. at Monkey Space, a banquet hall in San Joaquin County. The deceased victims have been identified as Maya Lupian, age 8, Journey Rose Reotutar Guerrero, age 9, Amari Peterson, age 14, and Susano Archuleta, age 21. Eleven other individuals sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, which authorities described as a targeted attack.
Between 100 and 150 guests attended the celebration when gunfire erupted inside the venue. Patrice Williams, who organized the party for her daughter’s second birthday, initially mistook the gunshots for balloons popping. Her daughter was not harmed, but Williams reported that multiple family members and friends were shot.
Burna Boy learned of the tragedy while listening to The Breakfast Club radio show and subsequently contacted music executive Wack 100, who connected him with Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee. The 34-year-old artist expressed particular concern after hearing about Amari Peterson, described as a student athlete with a 3.8 grade point average who played football and basketball.
In his statement, Burna Boy said his heart broke upon hearing about the murdered children, adding that no family should face such pain alone and that he wanted to support the parents during their healing process.
Vice Mayor Lee praised the gesture on Instagram, noting that Burna Boy stepped up with compassion despite never knowing the families. Lee emphasized that while the contribution won’t erase the tragedy, it removes one financial burden from grieving families.
San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow characterized the crime as particularly callous and brutal, stating that people walked into a children’s birthday party and opened fire. Investigators recovered firearms from a nearby rooftop and are processing shell casings and other evidence from the scene.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Sacramento division announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of those responsible. An additional $25,000 reward comes from Crime Stoppers, the mayor’s office, and a city council member’s office.
As of Sunday, authorities had not arrested any suspects, though Sheriff Withrow expressed confidence that the shooting was not a random act.
Detectives believe multiple shooters may have been involved and that gunfire continued outside the venue after the initial attack inside. Stockton recorded 3,680 violent crimes in 2024 at a rate more than double the statewide average. The city of approximately 320,000 residents is located about 80 miles east of San Francisco.
Authorities continue urging anyone with surveillance footage, witness accounts or information about the incident to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Withrow stated that the investigation team remains committed to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice.
