Rewards totaling $85,000 have been supplied for data resulting in an arrest in 5 deadly shootings since July in Stockton, California, that investigators imagine are associated, police mentioned.
After reviewing surveillance footage, detectives have positioned an unidentified "particular person of curiosity" within the killings, Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden wrote on the division's Fb web page Saturday. Police launched a grainy nonetheless picture of an individual filmed from behind, dressed all in black and carrying a black cap.
Police advised CBS Information there may be additionally firearm proof linking the murders collectively.
The newest killing occurred shortly earlier than 2 a.m. Tuesday, when a 54-year-old man was shot in a residential space simply north of downtown, McFadden mentioned.
Police mentioned he was the fifth man fatally shot since July 8 inside a radius of some sq. miles. Detectives imagine all 5 homicides are associated "primarily based on our investigation and the reviews we're receiving," McFadden mentioned.
"By definition, you can in all probability very properly name this serial killings," McFadden advised CBS Information.
Police mentioned the victims had been every strolling alone after they had been killed within the night or early morning within the metropolis of 320,000 residents about 50 miles south of the state capital, Sacramento. In every case, the chief mentioned the 5 male victims had been ambushed and shot whereas alone in poorly lit areas.
The ages of the victims vary from 21 to 54; 4 of the lads had been Hispanic and one was White, McFadden mentioned.
"No household ought to need to stroll round their metropolis in worry or trying over their shoulder," Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln mentioned.
"We're dedicated to defending our group and fixing these instances using all of the assets at our disposal together with YOU. We'd like YOUR assist!!!! If anybody, has data relating to these investigations, name us instantly. Please bear in mind our victims have grieving members of the family who want decision. If you realize one thing, say one thing," the chief wrote on Fb.
Town of Stockton put up a $75,000 reward, and Stockton Crime Stoppers supplied a further $10,000.
Stockton police mentioned they're now reviewing different unsolved murders to see if there's a connection.