Mom Mourns Daughter, 8, Killed in Birthday Party Mass Shooting, Saying She ‘Should Have Had a Long Life’

Eight-year-old Journey Rose Reotutar Guerrero has been identified as the fourth victim of last Saturday night’s mass shooting at a 2-year-old’s birthday party, just moments before the cake was to be cut.

Her mother, Jacqueline Reotutar, shared news of Journey’s death in a GoFundMe post on Wednesday, describing her daughter as a “kind and helpful” third grader who “had many friends” and “loved school.”

“She was a curious and gentle soul who touched many hearts,” the family wrote. “Journey loved art, crafting, baking, and gymnastics.”

According to her mother, Journey was “always an inspiration for her family to do their best.” A devoted gymnast who enjoyed trivia and math and dreamed of becoming a cheerleader, Journey also hoped to follow her sister’s path and become a doctor one day.

“She wanted to help people,” the GoFundMe message says.

Reotutar, a teacher in the Stockton Unified School District, wrote that Journey leaves behind an 18-year-old sister and two brothers, ages 10 and 15.

“We all wish we could continue those fun times together [and] being able to see Journey grow and become the beautiful woman she was destined to be,” her mother wrote.

Journey was one of four people killed in the Nov. 29 shooting at a local banquet hall in Stockton, Calif., where around 100 people had gathered to celebrate a 2-year-old girl’s birthday.

The attack claimed the lives of two 8-year-olds, a 14-year-old, and a 21-year-old man.

Family members told the Associated Press that guests were preparing to cut the birthday cake when the gunfire erupted. “I actually thought it was my balloons popping. It was gunshots,” said Patrice Williams, the birthday girl’s mother.

Authorities have not yet identified a suspect and have said in public updates that multiple shooters may have been involved.

Local ABC10 reported that the ATF and the FBI are assisting local law enforcement with the investigation.

“Finding the person or persons who committed this crime is the number one priority,” San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Heather Brent said at a Sunday press conference, according to the outlet. “Right now, we ask this community, don’t let this divide you. Make it something that brings you together, come together as a community and let’s help each other.”

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi wrote on Instagram on Sunday that she “could not sleep” after learning about the shooting the night before.

“I lay there in disbelief about what these families, these children, and our entire community went through,” she said. “The trauma they are living with is unimaginable.”