Van Surrell, a 50-year-old resident of Stockton, California, tragically lost his life on January 12, 2021. On that evening, Stockton police responded to reports of shots fired and a vehicle collision near the intersection of North Sutter Street and Oak Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered Van Surrell inside a vehicle, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Surrell succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
The investigation into Van Surrell's death revealed that he had been shot while inside his car, leading to the subsequent collision. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and the Stockton Police Department has been actively seeking information from the public to identify the perpetrator(s). Crime Stoppers has offered a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that could lead to an arrest in this case.
Van Surrell's death is part of a broader tragedy for his family, as his 29-year-old son, also named Van Surrell, was killed just a few weeks later on March 20, 2021. The younger Surrell was shot outside the front entrance of a Motel 6 on March Lane in Stockton. The family, already reeling from the loss of the elder Surrell, was devastated by this second, closely-timed tragedy. The younger Surrell's sister, Ellesse Knox, has been vocal about seeking justice for both her father and brother, emphasizing the need for community cooperation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Stockton Police Department has been working diligently on both cases, but as of now, no arrests have been made. The investigations are ongoing, and the police have urged anyone with information to come forward, highlighting the importance of community involvement in solving these crimes. The family continues to seek closure and justice, hoping that increased awareness and cooperation will lead to the resolution of these tragic cases.
