California Police Closing in on a Possible Serial Killer Linked to 5 Deaths in Stockton; Victims Mostly Hispanic

Police are closing in on a possible serial killer after locating a "person of interest," whom they suspected of killing five men in a Northern California community.

People reported that Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden confirmed Friday that investigators had narrowed the investigation to one suspect. The suspect was reportedly responsible for the men's deaths between July 8 and September 27 in North Stockton.

McFadden said in a Facebook post that the homicides occurred in the evening or early morning hours, and the victims were alone. The Stockton Police Department is currently offering a $75,000 reward for anyone who has information that leads to an arrest in the investigation.

The department has not yet released the official identity of the victims. However, the San Joaquin County medical examiner's office released the names of the victims.

California Police's Investigation on Possible Serial Killer

According to CBS News, police said they have firearm evidence linking the five murders together. Authorities also released surveillance footage showing a grainy still image of a person filmed from behind.

The person was seen dressed in all black, with a black cap. McFadden told CBS News they believe "this may be a person of interest that could provide information on maybe one, two, three, four, or five. We just don't know at this time."

The police chief noted that the five male victims were ambushed and shot while alone at night in dimly lit areas. McFadden said by definition, they could "very well call these serial killings." He noted that 80% of the five homicide victims were Hispanic, adding that it was "very concerning."

Victims of Possible Serial Killer in California

The San Joaquin County medical examiner's office released the names of the victims Monday. They were Paul Alexander Yaw, 35, who died July 8; Salvador Debudey, Jr., 43, who died August 11; Jonathan Hernandez Rodriguez, 21, who died August 30; Juan Cruz, 52, who died September 21; and Lawrence Lopez Sr., 54, who died September 27. They were all residents of Stockton.

Stockton police spokesperson Joe Silva said on Monday that investigators need the community's help. Silva noted that they have grieving family members asking a lot of questions and want closure.

According to 60-year-old Greta Bogrow of Texas, she has been estranged from her son Yaw, who was homeless for about five years. Bogrow said she always hoped they would reunite and have a relationship, adding that her son was a good person.

Lopez's brother, Jerry Lopez, said Lawrence was a father of six children ages 16 to 38. He noted that his brother worked as an independent contractor and had fallen into homelessness, NBC News reported.

Jerry said many people offered help to his brother, but he did not want to "burden" people. He noted that he and his brother had lived in Stockton since they were in elementary school.

Meanwhile, Salvador Debudey, Jr. had left a wife upon his death. Relatives of the two other victims have yet to comment on the matter.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Police Say Killing of 5 Men Could Be Work of Serial Killer - From CBS Evening News