Burna Boy to Cover Funeral Expenses for Children Killed in Stockton Birthday Party Mass Shooting

Afrobeats star Burna Boy has pledged to pay the funeral expenses for four people killed in a mass shooting at a children’s birthday celebration in North Stockton on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The artist made the commitment after learning about the tragedy during an appearance on The Breakfast Club and coordinating with community advocates to reach the bereaved families.

In a statement, Burna Boy said hearing about the deaths left him devastated and compelled him to help: he contacted Wack 100 and connected with local organizer Jason Lee to ensure families would not shoulder the burial costs alone. “No family should carry this burden by themselves,” the statement read, reflecting the artist’s intention to support immediate needs as relatives begin to grieve.

Among those slain was 14-year-old Amari Peterson, a student and athlete whose loss moved many in Stockton and beyond. Jason Lee, founder of Hollywood Unlocked and vice mayor of Stockton, praised Burna Boy’s response as an example of global solidarity and said, “People everywhere want to help, even when they’ve never met those affected.”

“It’s never been gangsta to kill kids. Never. You went into a birthday party and shot people’s children… That is not human.” — Jason Lee, at a weekend vigil

Local and national reporting indicates the suspect remains at large and authorities are investigating whether multiple shooters were involved. According to NBC News, law enforcement continues to search for the person or persons responsible. At the event, roughly 100 guests were present when gunfire erupted around 6 p.m. PT; eleven people were injured and taken to hospitals. Besides Amari Peterson, those killed were reported to be 8, 9 and 21 years old.

The donation is part of Burna Boy’s broader charitable activity this season. Earlier in the week, the Grammy-winning performer visited Boston Arts Academy and pledged ongoing support for the school’s Free Bodega program, which supplies students with everyday essentials to help them focus on learning.

For further coverage and updates:
Complex |
NBC News |
Boston Arts Academy post.

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