For the first time in four years, Stockton has gone a full month without a homicide.
No slayings were reported in October. The last time that happened was in October 2022, according to data from the Stockton Police Department.
The break in killings also has helped lower Stockton’s homicide rate for the year. Police have handled 23 homicides since January — a 30% reduction from the 33 slayings recorded during the same period last year, authorities said.
A homicide-free October is a public relations boost for a city that has long sought to shake its reputation as a haven for crime. The hiatus gives more credence to those who say the city’s lingering image as a crime capital doesn’t match reality.
Still, Stockton is not far removed from recording its deadliest month in over a decade. In June, the city was shaken by seven homicides and eight non-fatal shootings.
The spate of fatalities prompted Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden to declare a crackdown. “Violent crime will not be tolerated,” he said.
The killings waned. In August, a single homicide was reported in the city. The following month, there were two — the most recent reported on Sept. 26 when a 17-year-old boy was discovered with a gunshot wound near north Sutter and east Flora streets in Stockton. The teen later died at a local hospital.
Police think getting more guns off the streets has helped reduce the amount of deadly violence in Stockton. Firearms seizures are up 50% compared to the same time last year, Sgt. Chris Gilley, a police spokesman, told Stocktonia.
He also credited dogged police work for the drop in killings.
“While even one loss of life is one too many, I believe the hard work, dedication and proactive efforts of our officers and detectives have played a significant role in these reductions,” Gilley said.