Family members of Stockton homicide victims speak out
STOCKTON — A series of homicides in Stockton that took place Jul. 8 and Sep. 27 are connected, authorities say.
The announcement made Friday afternoon by Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden confirmed that details of the killings fit the description of a serial killer.
"Our investigators have reviewed countless hours of video, canvassed the area," said McFadden.
In one image, the person of interest is covered head-to-toe in black. But who is this figure? Police aren't sure.
"We have no evidence to tell us if it's one person, two, or three. We have no video footage that's captured a crime or a handgun in someone's hand," continued McFadden.
Victims' family members, like Cathy, are desperate for answers. She's the older sister of victim Lorenzo Lopez.
"My brother had a heart of gold," said Cathy, who did not want to go on camera for fear her life could also be at risk.
"Anyone out there in those streets: stay in lighted areas. Don't go out alone. Don't go out late if you don't have to," said Cathy.
It's a sentiment shared by Greta Bogrow, the mother of the first victim, 35-year-old Paul Yaw.
"I heard from a detective that my son's case is possibly involved with a serial killer," said Bogrow, who lives in Texas.
"I had a little breakdown…I was shocked, of course," she said.
We reached out to UC Hastings Law Professor John Myers to ask what defines a serial killer.
"It's usually defined as a series of related crimes usually committed by someone with severe psychological or pathological personality disorders," he said.
The connection between killings includes victims who were alone in dimly lit areas and were ambushed.
The Stockton Police Department has added patrols in the evening hours to prevent another killing from happening. They are asking anyone with any information to call their tip line.