Van Surrell Jr., 29, of Stockton, California, was shot and killed outside the front entrance of the Motel 6 on March Lane on March 20, 2021. His family was staying at the motel after their home caught fire a few days earlier. Van’s mother, Antrice Knox, heard a gunshot about 12:30 AM and later learned from a front‑desk worker that her son had been killed.

Family members note Van had recently been released from prison and had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia; his sister, Ellesse Knox, has said she believes his mental illness may have led to a misunderstanding that ended in someone shooting him. Stockton police say the investigation has been difficult and no arrests have been announced; they have appealed to the public for information and offered a reward for tips.

Van’s death followed the January 12, 2021 killing of his father, also named Van Surrell, who was shot near downtown Stockton and died at a hospital. Does anyone have information about the March 20 motel shooting or the circumstances around Van Jr.’s death?