Friday, 3 July 2026, 10:18
Stockton experienced a dramatic spike in homicides during June 2026, with seven killings reported—the most in a single month in nearly a decade. The surge has prompted a strong response from police leadership and renewed concerns about public safety in the San Joaquin County city.
According to data from the Stockton Police Department, the city recorded seven homicides in June 2026, compared to just two in June 2025. This marks the deadliest June since 2015, when six or more homicides were last reported in that month. The victims ranged in age from 16 to 43, with most dying from gunshot wounds; one was fatally stabbed.
Police Chief Stanley McFadden acknowledged the spike in a statement, saying, 'Over the past month, our community has experienced a series of senseless acts of violence, including multiple homicides and shootings.' He emphasized that investigators are aggressively pursuing unsolved cases and urged the community to report tips.
Most of June's homicides occurred in two areas: District 5, which includes downtown and parts of south Stockton, and District 1 in north Stockton. One of the most serious non-fatal shootings occurred on June 26 in District 5, where four people—including children and an infant—were injured on Plantation Place. About 20 minutes later, a separate shooting near Hunter and Sonora streets killed a 36-year-old man.
As of July 2, only one arrest had been made in connection with the June homicides: Zion Gary was arrested on June 24 for the fatal stabbing of Charles Ray Clay IV. The other six cases remain unsolved. Victims include Khalid Lisimba Lanier, 43; Valentino Mark Gilmore, 16; Narcissa Nicole Frye-Brown, 30; Marquese Ramond Rankins, 25; Xavier Cipriano Galvez, 18; and Joe Badillo Jr., 30.
Police noted that in most cases, victims and suspects were acquainted. 'An unsolved case does not mean a case has been forgotten,' said Officer Omer Edhah, a police spokesperson. 'Our detectives continue to actively review evidence, pursue new leads, and leverage advances in technology.'
Stockton, a city of about 320,000 in San Joaquin County, has seen a long-term decline in homicides—from 36 in 2025 (the lowest in seven years) to 16 through the first half of 2026. However, the June surge has alarmed residents and officials alike. Antonio 'Tone' Hernandez, an outreach worker with the city's Office of Violence Prevention, called the violence 'horrible' and 'terrible,' noting the toll on families.
The spike comes amid broader statewide discussions about public safety and gun violence. Stockton police have increased high-visibility patrols and are leveraging forensic technology to solve cases.
Stockton's June homicide surge underscores the volatility of violent crime even as long-term trends improve. With seven families grieving and most cases still open, police are calling for community cooperation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Stockton Police Department. 'If you see something, say something,' Chief McFadden said.
