Matthew Matheny Palacios, known affectionately to his family as "Poppas," was a goofy 17-year-old with a smile that left an imprint on everyone’s heart. His older sister, Alysah Palacios, remembered him as the baby of the family, someone who was the life of the party and knew how to make the most out of nothing. A resident of Stockton, California, his life was full of potential and just beginning when it was violently taken from him.
On the afternoon of Sunday, September 27, 2026, that
promising life was cut short in a burst of gunfire. At approximately 2:03 p.m., Stockton Police Department officers responded to reports of a person shot in the area of North Sutter and East Flora streets. The location is in the city's Civic District, a central part of Stockton. When police and paramedics arrived at the scene, they found Matthew suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was immediately transported by emergency medical personnel to a local hospital for treatment. Despite their efforts, his injuries were too severe, and Matthew was pronounced dead.
The San Joaquin County Medical Examiner's Office later officially identified the young victim. His death marked the city of Stockton's 22nd homicide of 2026. While this number was lower than the 29 homicides the city had seen by the same time in the previous year, it represented another devastating loss for a family and the wider community. The shooting happened in broad daylight, adding a layer of shock and concern for residents in the area.
In the immediate aftermath, homicide detectives from the Stockton Police Department began an intensive investigation. They canvassed the neighborhood, searching for evidence and appealing to potential witnesses for information. However, the initial stages of the inquiry yielded few leads. Police officials stated that no motive for the shooting had been determined, and they had not identified any suspects. The circumstances that led to the fatal encounter remained unknown. Days after the shooting, a small, somber memorial of eight candles was placed on the sidewalk near where Matthew was killed, a quiet tribute to a life ended too soon.
The sudden and violent loss left Matthew's family grappling with what his sister described as "unimaginable heartbreak and a loss that words can’t express." While navigating their profound grief, they also faced the unexpected financial strain of arranging a funeral for their teenage son and brother. Alysah organized a GoFundMe campaign to help ease this burden. "No parent should have to bury their 17 year old son, and unfortunately for my family, that is the devastating reality we are facing," she wrote on the fundraising page. "This fundraiser is being shared to help cover funeral expenses for Poppas so his family can focus on mourning, remembering, and honoring his life."
The family's appeal was met with an outpouring of support from friends and community members, who shared memories and offered condolences online. Friends remembered "Poppas" as a good kid who looked out for others. The family expressed their deep gratitude for every donation and share, which helped them honor Matthew's memory while they mourned.
As of late September 2026, the investigation into Matthew Matheny Palacios's murder remains active and ongoing. The Stockton Police Department has not publicly released any new information regarding a motive, persons of interest, or suspects, and the shooter remains at large. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about the case to come forward and contact the Stockton Police Department at (209) 937-8377 or Stockton Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600.
