When reports surfaced of a possible mass shooting in California, freelancer Ethan Swope immediately got on the road. His photos and video — filed hours before any other national outlet arrived — gave AP an early visual lead and were widely used by clients across formats.
With limited details available from authorities, Sophie Austin arrived in Stockton early the next morning, determined to push the story forward. That evening, she approached a man standing at a makeshift memorial. Roscoe Brown revealed the party was for his 2-year-old grandniece and that two other children — his niece and nephew — had been wounded. The fact that the shooting targeted a toddler’s birthday party was an AP exclusive.
As Austin’s reporting unfolded, the team discovered that Brown’s brother was due in court the next day, potentially giving AP a further opportunity to speak with the family. Photographer Jeff Chiu and video journalist Haven Daley joined Austin, and together they secured another family interview — on camera.
Austin’s empathetic interview style, Daley’s thoughtful questions and Chiu’s striking images combined to deliver a rich, exclusive view of the aftermath of violence — and an intimate portrait of a family’s grief and resilience.
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