A 46-year-old Stockton man shot in the city’s Lakeview neighborhood has been publicly identified, according to Stockton police and the San Joaquin County coroner. He was found with a gunshot wound in the 700 block of East Swain Road and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation.
The San Joaquin County coroner identified the victim as 46-year-old Christopher Butler, according to ABC10. Police told the station Butler died from his injuries at the hospital, and authorities have not released any information about possible suspects.
What Police Say About the Shooting
Stockton officers were called to the 700 block of East Swain Road around 6 p.m. after reports of gunfire. They found Butler suffering from a single gunshot wound and rushed him to a hospital, where he later died, as reported by SFGate. Homicide detectives cordoned off the area and began canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses and surveillance video.
How This Fits into the City’s Year-to-Date Tally
The killing marks Stockton’s ninth homicide so far this year, a pace KCRA reports is lower than at this point last year, when the city had recorded 17 homicides. No arrests have been announced, and investigators continue to follow leads.
Authorities are asking anyone with information, photos, or video to contact Stockton police or submit an anonymous tip to Stockton Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600 or through the group’s website. Tips may be submitted online via Stockton Crime Stoppers, which offers anonymous reporting and a reward for information that leads to an arrest. The Stockton Police Department’s Homicide Unit is handling the case and has urged the public to avoid speculation while detectives work to identify a suspect.
