Suspected California Serial Killer Arrested Right Before He Made Another Kill, Police Say

The Stockton Police Department has arrested a California man they suspect to be a serial killer. Police arrested Wesley Brownlee, 43, whom they believed was connected to six unprovoked murders.

When he was arrested, the Stockton police believed he was "out hunting" for his next victim.

"We are sure we stopped another killing," said Stockton Police Department Chief Stanley McFadden during a news conference on Saturday. Police believe Brownlee may have murdered six men ages 21 to 54 over the last few months.

Police Followed Suspected California Serial Killer Wesley Brownlee While He Was 'Hunting'

According to ABC News, Wesley Brownlee was followed by police surveillance teams while he was driving, and he was stopped in the area of Village Green Drive and Winslow Avenue at around 2 a.m. on Saturday.

McFadden told the press that the police "watched his patterns" and then determined that he was out hunting and was on a mission to kill another person before police arrested him.

The police chief noted that the police surveillance team saw that he was exhibiting "threatening behavior" before they sprang to action and arrested him. He was going to parks and dark places and stopping and looking around before driving on again.

"As officers made contact with him, he was wearing dark clothing and a mask around his neck. He was also armed with a firearm when he was taken into custody," McFadden added.

According to CNN, Brownlee was charged with homicide on Saturday. Authorities said he will be arraigned on Tuesday and more charges are likely.

Meanwhile, San Joaquin County District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar noted that deputy district attorneys are now reviewing the evidence against Brownlee. They were also "working to determine" which charges will they pursue against the suspected California serial killer.

California Serial Killer Wesley Brownlee's 6 Victims Revealed

In the news conference, police and media members held a moment of silence for the six people allegedly killed by Wesley Brownlee, according to NPR.

His first victim was Juan Vasquez Serrano, 39, who was killed in Oakland on April 10, 2021, followed by Natasha LaTour, 46, whom police said was shot in Stockton on April 16 of the same year, but she managed to survive.

The subsequent killings reportedly all happened in Stockton this year. The victims were Paul Yaw, 35, who was killed on July 8; Salvador Debudey Jr., 43, who was killed on August 11; Jonathan Hernandez Rodriguez, 21, who was killed on August 30; Juan Cruz, 52, who was killed on September 21; and Lawrence Lopez Sr., 54, who died Sept. 27.

So far, all the attacks seem unprovoked, though investigators are now trying to determine his motives. According to NPR, some victims were identified as homeless. Authorities said the suspect also has a prior criminal record.

Stockton Mayor Kevin J. Lincoln thanked the community who sent in some tips which led to Brownlee's arrest. Police received hundreds of tips following the announcement of a manhunt for a suspected serial killer in Stockton.

"This could not have been done, and today would not have been possible without you," Lincoln noted.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Suspected Serial Killer Linked to 6 Murders Arrested by Stockton Police - From ABC7