California seeking suspected serial killer after five killed under similar circumstances

( Post Millennial )

Stockton, California Police are on the hunt for a likely serial killer as five men with no discernable connection were all shot and killed while walking alone in the evening or early morning in the small city.

According to the New York Post, authorities are pursuing an unidentified "person of interest" who was caught on surveillance footage from behind in a grainy, dark image.

The killings happened between July 8 and September 27 in the small city of 320,000 that rests 50 miles south of Sacramento. The victims' ages range from 21 to 54 and 4 men are Hispanic and one is white. All men have been identified.

Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden said Saturday that "based on our investigation and the reports we are receiving" police think the murders are likely serial slayings.

The victims are 35-year-old Paul Yaw, 43-year-old Salvador Dubedy Jr., 54-year-old Lorenzo Lopez, as well as the recently identified Juan Cruz and Jonathan Hernandez Rodriguez.

Analydia Lopez, widow to Dubedy, said, "It’s caused a lot of pain, a lot of pain to our family."

Dubedy was married to Lopez and the two had one daughter. He was shot and killed on August 11 while in a parking lot in the 4900 block of West Lane.

Greta Bogrow, mother of Paul Yaw, said her son was "a great man with a big heart." Yaw was homeless at the time of his death.

Lopez was killed on September 27 around 2 am in the 900 block of Porter Avenue. His brother, Jerry, said, "My mother and father were just heartbroken from this. That’s their first baby boy."

On Facebook, Chief McFadden said he was dedicated to solving these crimes "utilizing all the resources at our disposal including YOU. We need YOUR help!!!!"

"If anyone has information regarding these investigations, call us immediately. Please remember our victims have grieving family members who need resolution. If you know something, say something," he added.

He also advised, "remain vigilant and have good situational awareness."

Authorities recommend citizens avoid isolated areas and should walk in groups and in well-lit areas.