Timeline of the Stockton serial killer: what we know about murders, victims of mysterious attacks in California

STOCKTON, California– Northern California authorities are searching for an apparent serial killer linked to six fatal shootings.

what we know

No motive is known, Stockton police said, but the killings appear to be premeditated and linked by ballistics evidence.

The shooter was on a “mission to kill,” Stockton Police Chief Joe McFadden told ABC News’ GMA3 on Thursday.

MORE: Police are searching for an apparent serial killer linked to 6 murders in California

The suspect “could have easily taken vehicles, money and credit cards, but none of it was taken,” he said. “It appears that this person or persons are very focused on the killing – and very calm and confident afterward.”

All of the victims were alone, police said, and the killings happened at night or early in the morning.

“What we seem to have in common is probably complexion — they were people of different races, but they have a similar complexion,” the boss continued. “The place, the environments were consistent: they’re very dark places, they’re places where there aren’t very many witnesses around.”

“That’s a person lurking in the shadows,” McFadden added. “Our victims will be taken by surprise.”

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Here’s how the crimes unfolded:

April 10, 2021

On April 10, 2021 at 4:18 a.m., a 40-year-old man was shot dead in Oakland, California. Stockton Police announced on Monday that the murder was linked to the killing spree; All other attacks took place at Stockton.

April 16, 2021

Days later at 3:20 a.m. on April 16, 2021, a 46-year-old woman was shot dead in Stockton and survived her injuries, police said.

She told officers she was in her tent and heard someone approaching. She came out and found someone holding a gun, police said. Several shots were fired but the shooter said nothing, she told police.

This shooting was also linked to the Spree, police said.

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July 8, 2022

More than a year passed.

Then at 12:31 a.m. on July 8, a 35-year-old man, Paul Yaw, was fatally shot in Stockton, police said.

Yaw “was a good boy who grew into a good man with a big heart,” his family said in a statement to ABC News. “He was son, brother, father, grandson, nephew and cousin.”

August 11, 2022

Weeks later, at 9:49 p.m. on August 11, a 43-year-old man, Salvador Debudey Jr., was shot dead, police said.

August 30, 2022

The next victim was 21-year-old Jonathan Hernandez Rodriguez, who was fatally shot at 6:41 a.m. on August 30 in Stockton.

September 21, 2022

A 52-year-old man, Juan Cruz, was fatally shot at 4:27 a.m. on September 21 in Stockton, police said.

September 27, 2022

The final victim was 54-year-old Lawrence Lopez Sr., who was fatally shot at 1:53 a.m. on Sept. 27, police say.

Lopez was a musician who survives six children, Jerry Lopez, his brother, told ABC News.

“It’s overwhelming that the deaths are supposedly related,” said Jerry Lopez.

September 30, 2022

On September 30, Stockton Police said they believe the five 2022 murders were linked, adding that they met the definition of a serial killer.

Police released this image of a man believed to be a person of interest.

October 3, 2022

On Oct. 3, police said they believe the two 2021 shootings — one fatal and one non-fatal — were also linked.

October 4, 2022

On October 4, Stockton Police released a short video of a person of interest.

McFadden said it’s unclear if the person of interest in the video “is a suspect or a witness, but it’s a person that we saw in more than one scene.”

Police are asking anyone with information to call Stockton Crime Stoppers at 209-946-0600.

ABC News’ Zohreen Shah, Alyssa Pone, Jenna Harrison Esseling and Caroline Guthrie contributed to this report.