By Dennis Romero
Police in Stockton, California are searching for a person of interest following a series of deadly shootings that occurred after dark in the city.
Police said an unidentified person captured on security video could be a suspect or witness and that others may be involved in the five attacks that have occurred since July.
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"We have a series of homicides that we believe are interconnected," Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden said at a news conference on Friday.
"By definition, you could probably call this serial killing
. "
Stockton Police Person of Interest. Stockton Police
He noted that police have ruled out gang violence, hate crimes and attacks on homeless residents.
One of the five victims is a white male;
the others are Latino and not all were homeless, McFadden said.
Detectives have not been able to determine if it is one suspect or possibly several, the chief said.
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All of the killings occurred after dark and in shaded areas with few security cameras around.
Each of the attacks has involved a single victim.
"It was not a robbery,"
he said.
“The belongings are not being stolen.
They're not talking about any gang activity in the area or anything.
They're just surprise attacks."
The attacks began in July and the latest occurred this week, according to police, who describe them this way:
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On July 8, an unidentified 35-year-old man, described only as white, was fatally shot.
It was reported at 00:31 hours.
On August 11, an unidentified 43-year-old man described as Hispanic was killed at 9:49 p.m.
On August 30, an unidentified 21-year-old man described as Hispanic was fatally shot at 6:41 a.m.
On September 21, an unidentified 52-year-old man described as Hispanic was killed at 4:27 a.m.
On Tuesday, an unidentified 54-year-old man described as Hispanic was fatally shot around 1:50 a.m.
The city is offering a $75,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, and Stockton Crime Stoppers is offering an additional $10,000.
The city is offering a $75,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, and another $10,000 was posted by Stockton Crime Stoppers.
Whoever is shooting appears to be creeping in the shadows, according to the boss.
"The areas are dimly lit, they're shadowed by trees," McFadden said.
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“Be alert.
Keep your head on straight,” she warned.
He also asked residents to be vigilant on the internet and avoid spreading misinformation.
"All it does is create additional challenges for researchers," McFadden recalled.
