Police in Stockton, California, are offering an $85,000 reward for information in the five murders over the past several months that are believed to be linked to one suspect.
The victims were killed in separate incidents that occurred from July 8 through Sept. 27, during early morning hours or at night.
In a Facebook post shared on Friday, Stockton Police Police Chief Stanley McFadden said the city was putting up a $75,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the investigation.
SPD News: Message from Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden regarding our recent homicide investigationsI promised everyone when I received new updates on these cases I would share them publicly….
Stockton Crime Stoppers will also contribute a $10,000.00 cash reward, which totals an $85,000 reward.
McFadden said investigators have also located a “person of interest” in the five slayings.
Police revealed four of the victims were Hispanic men ranging from 21 to 54 years old. The other victim was a 35-year-old white male.
The first shooting occurred on July 8, when a 35-year-old man was fatally shot at 12:31 a.m., followed by the shooting of a 43-year-old man at 9:49 p.m. on Aug. 11.
A 21-year-old man was killed at 6:41 a.m. on Aug. 30. A 52-year-old man was gunned down on Sept. 21 at 4:27 a.m. A 54-year-old man was fatally shot at 1:53 a.m. on Sept. 27.
“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,” McFadden said during the Friday press conference.
McFadden warned the community to remain alert amid the series of homicides. “Please do not fall victim, be alert, have your head on a swivel, stay where it’s lit, communicate,” he said.
“We need you, we need your help, we need your tips, and we need you to help not to spread misinformation.”
Police have released a photo of the person of interest dressed in all black. McFadden encouraged anyone with information to contact investigators.
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