Urgent: Stockton Mourns 8-Year-Old Journey Guerrero After Shooting

URGENT UPDATE: The community of Stockton, California is reeling from the tragic loss of 8-year-old Journey Rose Reotutar Guerrero, one of four victims killed in a horrific mass shooting last weekend. The attack also left more than a dozen others injured, sending shockwaves through the local community.

At Commodore Stockton Skills School, where Journey was a beloved student, classmates and staff are coming together to grieve. Sarahjoy, a close friend, described her as “nice, funny, kind, a good friend … she was smart, and she had good handwriting.” The emotional toll of this loss is palpable, as the school community tries to process an event that has forever changed their lives.

Erika Flores, a parent of one of Journey’s friends, expressed her heartbreak, stating, “My heart sank, and I began to cry because it’s so sad that this innocent little girl’s life was stolen. My heart goes out to her mom and her family. I can’t imagine how they’re feeling.” This tragedy highlights the devastating impact of violence on innocent lives and the wider community.

In response to the shooting, the Stockton Unified School District has deployed its crisis team to support grieving students. District spokesperson Melinda Meza confirmed that counselors, psychologists, and mental health clinicians are on campus, ensuring that students have the resources they need during this traumatic time. “It’s a terrible feeling for a parent to try to explain something like this to an 8-year-old,” Meza remarked. “That’s why it was so important that we had all of our counselors and crisis team, and support available.”

Some students witnessed the shooting and are receiving additional support. Meza assured that the district has made provisions for these students, saying, “We made sure our counselors, psychologists, and mental health clinicians were working with them, and we could also say at other school sites as well.” The urgency of mental health support cannot be overstated in the wake of such a tragedy.

To honor Journey’s memory, classmates have placed flowers and drawings on her desk. “We did something to remind us of Journey,” said Sarahjoy. “We put flowers on her desk and put drawings on her desk.” This heartfelt gesture serves as a poignant reminder of the vibrant life lost too soon.

Flores emphasized the broader implications of this incident, stating, “It just shows we need to really think about the choices we make because they have ripples, not just affecting us, but a whole community.” As the community comes together to mourn, the urgency for change and support in the face of violence becomes more apparent.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather information. The community is urged to stay vigilant and support one another during this difficult time.

As more details emerge, residents are encouraged to engage in conversations about safety and community resilience. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for unity and compassion in the face of adversity.