Nigerian singer and songwriter known as Burna Boy will cover funeral expenses for all four victims killed on Saturday Mass shooting at a toddler's birthday party in Stockton, California..
Three of the victims were children aged 8, 9 and 14, and the fourth was 21 years old.
Eleven people were initially reported injured, at least one in critical condition. Tuesday, the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office increased this number to 13 after learning that two other survivors were hit by bullets and went to the hospital on their own, according to local NBC affiliate KCRA.
This news hit Burna Boy like a punch to the gut. After hearing about the shooting on a radio show, performer contacted Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee via music director Wack 100, The Stockton Record reported Tuesday.
“When I heard about the children killed in Stockton, my heart broke,” Burna Boy said in a statement through Lee. “After hearing the story on The Breakfast Club, I reached out to Wack 100 and connected with Jason Lee because no family should ever have to face this kind of pain alone. I wanted to do everything I could to support these parents as they begin the long healing process.”
Friends and family were ready to cut the cake for the two year old birthday girl at the Monkey Space banquet hall on Saturday when bullets began raining just before 6 p.m., the toddler's mother, Patrice Williams, said in tears. First she I thought it was party balloons poppingshe said.
The attack began in the banquet hall and spilled out onto the street. Police said it was “targeted” and may have had something to do with gang violence, but did not say how they knew. The shooting appears to have occurred due to a “disagreement between people” and was related to militants who “wanted to convey a message” Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi told NBC News.
On Tuesday, police were still searching for the suspects and asking the public for help. FBI added $50,000 reward To $25,000 already offered Stockton Crime Stoppers with Fugazi and Councilwoman Mariela Ponce.
With news services
