DOJO — Days after the Stockton birthday-party massacre that left four people dead — including three children — the father of 8-year-old Amari Peterson is speaking publicly for the first time. In an emotional interview with CBS Sacramento, which DOJO credits, he described the pain of losing his “golden child” and questioned whether faster emergency response could have saved his son.
‘He Had a Hole the Size of a Nickel in His Chest’
Amari’s father said he rushed to his son’s side after gunfire erupted inside the crowded banquet hall on Lucile Avenue. He recalled seeing a wound “the size of a nickel” near his child’s heart — an image that will haunt him forever.
Through tears, he repeated the words that now define his grief:
“They took my baby… there’s nothing like him.”
He described Amari as bright, joyful, and “one of a kind.”
“When I talk about rare, that’s how he was. His smile would light the sky up.”
Concerns Over Emergency Response
The grieving father told CBS Sacramento he believes the ambulance and police response felt slow. He acknowledged that officers must secure the area before medics can safely enter, but he repeatedly emphasized that his son needed immediate help.
He stopped short of directly accusing responders, but said the delay weighs heavily on his mind.
‘He Didn’t Even Want to Be There’
The father shared that Amari originally wanted to play night hoops instead of attending the party. But he ultimately agreed to go because the host family knew his kids well.
“I thought it was a good idea… he didn’t even want to be there,” he said.
He broke down describing the moment he lost him.
“I love you, baby boy. I wish I would have been able to take that bullet for you. Daddy tried to do what he could… daddy is sorry… daddy loves you… daddy misses you. Daddy ain’t never gon’ be right without you.”
During the interview, he sat alongside Amari’s mother and two younger children — all visibly distraught.
Background: The Stockton Birthday-Party Shooting
On Saturday evening, gunfire tore through a child’s birthday celebration attended by roughly 100 to 150 people. Four people — ages 8, 9, 14, and 21 — were killed, and 11 others were wounded.
Investigators believe the attack was targeted, though they have not confirmed whether gang activity was involved. Multiple agencies — including the FBI — are assisting.
The suspects remain at large.
Community Response
A community vigil is planned, and a local foundation has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Officials from across California have condemned the shooting as “unthinkable” and vowed accountability once the gunmen are found.
For Amari’s family, justice cannot replace what was taken.
“There’s nothing like him,” his father said. “They took my baby.”
