Van Surrell, 50, of Stockton, California, was shot inside his vehicle on the evening of January 12, 2021, near North Sutter Street and Oak Street. Stockton police found him in the car after reports of shots fired and a subsequent vehicle collision; he was taken to a hospital and died shortly after arrival from multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators say he was shot while in his car and that the shooting led to the collision.

Stockton Police have asked the public for help identifying the shooter or shooters, and Crime Stoppers offered up to a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. The family suffered a second loss when Van Surrell’s 29-year-old son, also named Van Surrell, was fatally shot outside the front entrance of a Motel 6 on March Lane on March 20, 2021. The younger man’s sister, Ellesse Knox, has urged community cooperation in both cases.

No arrests have been announced and both investigations remain open. If anyone has information that could help identify those responsible, please contact the Stockton Police.