STOCKTON — New details are emerging following the deadly mass shooting at a child’s birthday party in Stockton, even as the community grapples with the heartbreak of losing one of its youngest residents. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office has identified the 8-year-old girl killed as Maya Lupian, a student at Aspire Apex Academy.
Maya’s family, through her school, released a statement painting a picture of a joyful and active child. Described as “the light in everyone’s life,” Maya was a purple belt in karate who loved dancing, singing, and drawing. Her death has sent waves of grief through the local school community and beyond.
On the investigative front, Sheriff Patrick Withrow provided updates that added more questions than answers. He confirmed that two additional victims—two women who were grazed by bullets—came forward two days after the shooting. “It begs the question why you would leave the scene, not tell anyone that you were there, wait two days, and then seek medical help after that,” Withrow said. Their delayed reporting has complicated the timeline of events.
The sheriff also addressed public speculation head-on, specifically rumors circulating on social media. He confirmed that while two men were arrested at the county courthouse on parole violations and were present at the party, they are not considered suspects in the shooting. Withrow firmly stated there is currently “no hard evidence” the shooting was gang-related, urging the public to rely on facts from the investigation rather than conjecture.
With no arrests yet made in connection to the violence, the sheriff’s office, along with the District Attorney and U.S. Attorney, remains focused on what Withrow called their only concern: “getting justice for these children and these families.” Investigators continue to interview attendees and are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to a breakthrough, stressing that the path to justice must be built on solid evidence.
