Stockton, California authorities are probing whether five after-dark slayings targeting Latino victims were serial killings perpetrated by the same suspect.
The series of fatal shootings started in July and have occurred as recently as last Tuesday. Police are looking for a person of interest seen on grainy footage adding that the crimes often took place in shady areas deprived of security cameras.
“We have a series of homicides that we believe are interconnected,” Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden said Friday.
“By definition, you could probably very well call this serial killings.”
The male victims ranged in age from 21 to 54. Four of them were Hispanic and each shooting targeted one victim.
“It wasn’t a robbery. Items aren’t being stolen. They’re not talking about any gang activity in the area or anything. It’s just, element of surprise.”
“The areas are dimly lit, they’re overshadowed by trees,” McFadden added asking residents to “be alert. Have your head on a swivel.”
