Serial killer at large after similarities of 5 recent murders

What we’re learning about the five victims of Stockton serial killings – KCRA Sacramento

A person of interest is sought in connection with five recent killings that Stockton police chief Stanley McFadden says seem related. Police have not been able to determine whether the deaths are the result of one or multiple people.

By definition, these could be considered a series of killings, but at this point we don’t know whether it’s one person or two or three,” McFadden said at the news conference. “We believe there is some interconnection.”

Currently, it is unclear if the person of interest is a suspect or witness.

A string of killings which have taken place since July has been “very difficult” to identify.

“These incidents are occurring in the dark, when individuals are alone and not in well-lit areas,” McFadden explained.

The following five cases are believed to be connected:

July 8 – 35-year-old Paul Alexander Yaw was killed at the 5600 block of Kermit Lane at 12:31 a.m.
Aug. 11 – 43-year-old Salvador William Dubedy, Jr. was killed at the 4900 block of West Lane at 9:49 p.m.
Aug. 30 – 21-year-old Hispanic man was killed at the 800 block of East Hammer Lane at 6:41 a.m.
Sept. 21 – 52-year-old Hispanic man was killed at the 4400 block of Manchester Avenue at 4:27 a.m.
Sept. 27 – 54-year-old Lorenzo Lopez was killed at the 900 block of Porter Avenue at 1:51 a.m.

McFadden said they believe that there is a connection, but they are not sure to what extent.

According to him, the victims of these shootings appeared to have been caught by surprise. It has not yet been possible to see a crime or a handgun in someone’s hand on video footage.

McFadden said there were no witnesses because of the location, the timing, and the lack of lighting. “As a result of our detectives not going home and remaining committed to the case, they reviewed several hundred hours of video to determine if there was anything to be gained.”

According to McFadden, these crimes do not appear to be related to gang violence or hate crimes at this time.

To the person or people behind the killings, McFadden said, “Stop the killing. We all have choices. Stop the killing…People are grieving, the community is grieving, the community is scared. It stops now.”

McFadden said he would keep the public informed about the investigation and asked that people refrain from spreading misinformation during this time of grief.

The police have not identified any other suspects, he said.

The police have offered a cash reward of $85,000 to anyone who can provide information leading to an arrest in any of the investigations.

A tip line was also opened on Friday for people to submit information at 209-937-8167. You can email policetips@stocktonca.gov with your tips. To submit video surveillance, visit Stocktonpdca.evidence.com.

According to McFadden, the department is committed to protecting the community and solving these cases by using all resources available to it.

McFadden urged people to be cautious when they go out, especially at night.

It cannot be stressed enough that you should be aware of your surroundings. Do not fall victim to this. Stay alert, keep your head on a swivel, and stay where it’s lit.

People should also go out in groups, communicate with each other, and stay in well-lit areas.

According to McFadden, the department has also increased patrols with more resources working around the clock.

There have been 43 homicides in Stockton this year, compared to 32 at the same time last year, according to the police department. Solving homicides has a clearance rate of about 50%.