CA serial killer: Suspect arrested in connection with 6 killings in California, Stockton officials say

STOCKTON, Calif. — Stockton authorities announced Saturday that an arrest has been made in connection with six murders in California.

Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden, City Manager Harry Black and Mayor Kevin Lincoln made the announcement at a joint news conference regarding the investigation into the series of murders.

Police say Wesley Brownlee, 43, was arrested while driving at 2 a.m. Saturday.

He is the prime suspect in six fatal shootings, including one in Oakland. The seventh shooting victim survived.

McFadden believes Brownlee was about to kill himself again.

“He was on a mission to kill. He was on the hunt,” McFadden said. “When 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. We are confident that we have stopped another murder.”

Stockton police say ballistics tests have linked the suspect to all seven shootings. Five of the shootings occurred after July 8.

Chief Mcfadden says tips from the community helped determine where Brownlee lived. Brownlee is a resident of Stockton, who lives near one of the crime scenes.

“We kept our eye on that residence, until he became mobile. Once he became mobile, that’s when we started following him until we eventually took him down, where we identified him as a threat,” McFadden said.

“While (there are) no words we can say to bring back lost loved ones, the least we can do is do our part to help bring justice. And here we are today,” says Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln.

Officials are trying to determine if the gun they found when Brownleee was arrested is the same gun used in other shootings. Brownlee is said to have a criminal history, but did not elaborate. And they still don’t have a motive in this case.

It is now up to the San Joaquin DA’s office to file the appropriate charges.

“My deputy district attorneys, who have been here all night, are reviewing the evidence as we speak. And they are actively working in partnership with the investigation to determine the charges that will be filed,” said San Joaquin County District Attorney Tori Verber-Salazar.

Brownleee will be arraigned on Tuesday. The prosecutor’s office says they will announce the charges after the trial.