Is There A Serial Killer In NorCal?

STOCKTON, CA — Police in a Northern California city are investigating a cluster of killings that they believe to be related, authorities said.

Residents of Stockton were urged to avoid traveling alone, through dim or isolated areas as police investigate five recent killings, the Stockton Police Department said in a statement.

The city, in collaboration with Stockton Crime Stoppers are offering an $85,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.

Police said they believe the following homicide cases are related:

• July 8 - The shooting death of a 35-year-old white man that occurred in the 5600 block of Kermit Lane at 12:31 am.
• August 11 - The shooting death of a 43-year-old Hispanic man that occurred in the 4900 block of West Lane at 9:49pm.
• August 30 - The shooting death of a 21-year-old Hispanic man in the 800 block E. Hammer Lane at 6:41 am.
• Sept. 21 - shooting death of a 52-year-old Hispanic man in the 4400 block of Manchester Avenue at 4:27 am.
• Sept. 27 - The shooting death of a 54-year-old Hispanic man in the 900 block of Porter Avenue at 1:53 am.

The killings reportedly occurred in the evening or early morning hours and all of the victims were alone, police said.

"Please remember our victims have grieving family members who need resolution," police urged. "If you know something, say something."

A tip line was open for anyone with information regarding the investigation: 209-937-8167. Tips can also be emailed to policetips@stocktonca.gov. Video surveillance footage can be submitted here. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Stockton Crime Stoppers at 209-946-0600 or stocktoncrimestoppers.org

"Finally, we would like to remind everyone to remain vigilant and have good situational awareness," police said.

Anyone who sees suspicious activity can call 209-937-8377 or 911 if it’s an emergency.