Suspected Stockton serial killer arrested
STOCKTON, Calif. (KION-TV) -- UPDATE: 10/15/22 - Stockton Police announced Saturday afternoon that a suspect has been arrested in connection to a series of shooting deaths across the city.
Police identified the suspect as 43-year-old Wesley Brownlee. Police said they arrested him at 2 a.m. Saturday Morning in the area of Village Green Drive and Winslow Avenue.
He was stopped while wearing dark clothing and a mask around his neck. He also had a firearm on him when he was taken into custody. He appeared to be "on a mission to kill" and "was out hunting," said Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden.
"Based off 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," said Chief McFadden.
Brownlee is accused of killing six people in a series of shootings across Stockton and Oakland. A 7th person was also shot but survived.
In part, investigators tracked down the suspect thanks to information from the community.
The suspect was arrested after police followed the individual, watching his driving patterns.
Police said the suspect was "on a mission to kill" and believe they "stopped another killing."
When arrested, the suspect was wearing dark clothing and had a mask around his neck. Stockton Police said he was found with a firearm when taken into custody.
San Joaquin County District Attorney's office will determine the charges at a later date.
Reward offered for suspected Stockton serial killer in connection to five deadly shootings
An $85,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect in a series of deadly shootings in Stockton.
Police provided photos of a person of interest as well as information on which shootings were connected.
Investigators said the shootings happened in the early morning and evening hours while victims were alone.
Stockton Police said the following homicide cases are related:
- July 8, 2022, shooting death of a 35-year-old white man that occurred in the 5600 block of Kermit Lane. The time of occurrence was 12:31 am.
- August 11, 2022, shooting death of a 43-year-old Hispanic man that occurred in the 4900 block of West Lane. The time of occurrence was 9:49pm.
- August 30, 2022, shooting death of a 21-year-old Hispanic man in the 800 block E. Hammer Lane. The time of occurrence was 6:41 am.
- September 21, 2022, shooting death of a 52-year-old Hispanic man in the 4400 block of Manchester Avenue. The time of occurrence was 4:27 am.
- September 27, 2022, shooting death of a 54-year-old Hispanic man in the 900 block of Porter Avenue. The time of occurrence was 1:53 am.
Stockton Police have opened a tip line for anyone with information. Any video surveillance is also being requested.
The number for the tip line is 209-937-8167, or you can email policetips@stocktonca.gov
