Jun Gao, a 49-year-old Asian male, was tragically killed on November 7, 1997, in Stockton, California. His death was part of a violent crime spree committed by Louis Peoples, a Stockton tow truck driver, who was later convicted of multiple murders.
Peoples had embarked on a two-month crime spree in San Joaquin County, beginning in September 1997, with acts of violence and vandalism. His crimes escalated, leading to the murder of several individuals.
On November 7, 1997, Peoples entered a north Stockton grocery store and fatally shot Jun Gao, 49, along with Besun Yu, 56, another victim. The weapon used in the crime was reportedly stolen from the vehicle of an off-duty Alameda County sheriff's deputy.
Authorities arrested Peoples, and he was sentenced to death in 2000 for multiple counts of first-degree murder. His conviction included the killings of Jun Gao, 49, Besun Yu, 56, and other victims. Peoples remained on death row at San Quentin State Prison until his own death, which was later ruled as asphyxia due to hanging.
