The Stockton Serial Killer

The Stockton Serial Killer has been active in Stockton and in nearby towns, and is suspected to be involved in 6 murders and multiple mass killings. Stockton police have been working alongside local and federal agencies to capture the perpetrator. The agencies that have been involved include the following FBI, CHP, and several sheriff's offices nearby. So far there has been no luck in having a solidified arrest to apprehend the killer. 

Unfortunately the Stockton Killer is thought to have been active for possibly more than the estimated 6 months, possibly even a year. There has been a reported 5 killings in the past 6 months and two other attacks that authorities say could have been the actions of more than one serial killer. There are seven cases that could be tied to the killer, six of which took place in Stockton and one in Oakland. Police have released video evidence that contains a person of interest. Officials have given confirmation that these homicides could have possibly begun in April of last year and it should be noted that there are possibly more victims that have yet to be noticed. 

Police have linked seven shootings, six of which were fatal, to one suspect. Authorities have been able to link all of the seven shootings by incorporating ballistic evidence recovered from each site, as well as video footage from the scenes of the crime. It is believed that the killer consistently dresses in all black and, at random, approaches people and attacks them. Six men have been killed and one woman survived. She is the only known victim of the Stockton Killer to have gotten away. She is the sole reason why the Stockton police have a profile to distribute to the public. 

Natasha Latour is the only woman who has been targeted in the shootings; she has been cooperative with the police in attempting to identify the shooter. Her part in prosecuting this mass serial killer may play a particularly important role now with a man in custody suspected of being responsible for these heinous crimes, although it is not something that is certain yet. There is a probability that the Stocktion Killer could still be at large. Arrested recently on the dark night of October 15, 43-year-old Wesley Brownlee is a man who is believed to be the Stockton Killer. Authorities have apprehended the suspect and he has been put into immediate questioning and interrogation. Many believe that Brownlee is to be the charged and convicted of being the Stocktion Killer. Stockton police stated that they began tailing Brownlee after they received a tip on the night he was arrested. It was believed that he was looking for his next victim.  In an article posted by National Public Radio, Police Chief Stanley McFadden was reported to have said: "[b]ased on tips coming into the department and Stockton Crime Stoppers, we were able to zero in on a possible suspect…our surveillance team followed this person while he was driving. We watched his patterns and determined early this morning, he was on a mission to kill.”. 

Brownlee was first detained as a result of what seemed to police to be threatening behavior, including going to parks and hard-to-see areas. Police and investigators are trying to look for possible reasonings for these attacks, but so far it appears that every murder was at random, some of the victims were homeless and “there was no signs of struggle,” said the Chief of Police. No one was beaten or robbed. Local Stockton investigators also worked alongside with authorities in Chicago, with possibilities that the killings in Stockton were linked to two 2018 murders in the Rogers Park neighborhood. There is currently video evidence of suspects showing a man also dressed in all black walking with a distinctive stride.