Multiple suspects sought in Stockton mass shooting, investigators say; about 50 casings recovered
More than a week after the Stockton mass shooting that left four people dead, the investigators and city leaders gave an update about the investigation.
Tuesday, the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office announced that investigators found around 50 bullet casings at the scene, and Sheriff Pat Withrow said it shows that at least five guns were used in the shooting.
Investigators also revealed they are officially looking for multiple suspects who were wearing dark clothing and face coverings, but Withrow said he could not confirm an exact number of people.
CBS News Sacramento asked Withrow if anyone had been identified through surveillance video evidence, and he said he was not aware of anyone being identified as part of the shooting on video evidence.
"I know this is going to be difficult," Withrow said. "But this is not going to be in a week or two until we've got an answer and we start arresting people. You have to know that, OK. This is going to take months."
After the update from the sheriff's office, Stockton's Vice Mayor Jason Lee held a press conference with the family of Amari Peterson, the 14-year-old boy killed.
The parents of Amari expressed their grief but also their desire for systematic change.
"Every day I wake up, the whole world is talking about my son," Patrick Peterson said.
Lee called on every official that oversees the City of Stockton – from his fellow councilmembers to congressional representatives – to act now and find ways to invest in the city of Stockton's youth.
This comes after the city of Stockton saw funding pulled from violence prevention programs just this year, with the city's own Office of Violence Prevention and Advanced Peace Stockton – programs aimed towards providing avenues for young adults – no longer having the resources they used to.
Tuesday night will be the first council meeting here at the chambers since the shooting.
The four victims who died in the shooting have been identified: 21-year-old Susano Archuleta, 14-year-old Amari Peterson, 8-year-old Maya Lupian and 8-year-old Journey Rose Guerrero.
Thirteen others were injured in the Nov. 29 shooting, which happened during a child's birthday party.