Paul Alexander Yaw, aged 35, was tragically shot and killed on July 8, 2022, in Stockton, California. Yaw was one of the victims in a series of fatal shootings that plagued the city, which were later attributed to a suspected serial killer. The incident occurred around 12:31 a.m. at a park in the 5600 block of Kermit Lane. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Yaw succumbed to his injuries.
His family described him as a man with a big heart, who was a son, brother, father, grandson, nephew, and cousin. Yaw had been homeless for about five years, and his mother, Greta Bogrow, expressed her deep sorrow over his death, lamenting the lost opportunity to reconnect with her son.
The investigation into Yaw's death revealed that he was one of several victims targeted by a suspected serial killer in Stockton. The suspect, Wesley Brownlee, a 43-year-old resident of Stockton, was arrested on October 15, 2022. Brownlee was apprehended while he was allegedly "out hunting" for another victim. At the time of his arrest, he was found wearing dark clothing and a mask around his neck, and he was armed with a firearm. Authorities linked Brownlee to seven fatal shootings and one nonfatal shooting, spanning from April 2021 to September 2022. The police had been surveilling Brownlee based on tips and observed patterns in his movements that matched those of the suspected killer.
The series of killings, including Yaw's, were characterized by their occurrence in the dark, often in secluded areas with few security cameras. The victims were typically alone, and there were no signs of robbery or gang activity. The motive behind the killings appeared to be the element of surprise and the suspect's intent to kill. The arrest of Brownlee brought some relief to the grieving families, although the community continued to seek closure and justice for the victims.
Following Brownlee's arrest, he was charged with multiple counts of murder. The legal proceedings against him included charges for the murders of Paul Alexander Yaw, Salvador Debudey Jr., Jonathan Hernandez Rodriguez, Juan Cruz, and Lawrence Lopez Sr., among others. The case garnered significant media attention, highlighting the impact of the killings on the Stockton community and the efforts of law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice. The investigation into the serial killings remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and build their case against Brownlee.
