A City's Pain: Children Lost in Stockton's Gunfire

In Stockton, California, a birthday party turned into a nightmare. Four people lost their lives, including three young kids. The scene was heartbreaking: toys, balloons, and blood mixed together. It's a sad reminder of the gun violence that plagues many communities. The city has seen its share of trouble, but this hit hard. People are asking how this could happen at a 2-year-old's birthday party. The pain is deep, especially for families like the Petersons. Patrick Peterson lost his son, Amari, a high school freshman who loved sports. The loss has left him questioning everything.Nearly a month later, no one has been arrested. A reward for information has grown to $130, 000, but the case remains unsolved. The community is searching for answers and ways to stop the violence. Stockton, a city of about 320, 000 people, has long struggled with finding its way. The city sits near important waterways, connecting the Central Valley to the Bay Area and the Pacific Ocean. It's a place with potential, but the violence overshadows that. Residents are grieving and asking what kind of city they want Stockton to be. The journey to healing and change is just beginning.