BeJay Orth, 53, was fatally shot on December 16, 2024, near the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. Officers found him about 2:10 p.m. on Princeton Avenue between Pershing and Grange avenues; he was taken to a hospital and later died of his injuries. Orth lived in Lodi and worked for a railroad union in Stockton. Friends and family described him as good-hearted and helpful, and an online memorial has been set up where loved ones have shared memories.

The Stockton Police Department has not released information about suspects or a motive and says the investigation is active. This homicide was counted as Stockton’s 47th for 2024, up from 45 at the same point the previous year. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Stockton Police Department, the Investigations Unit, or Stockton Crime Stoppers; anonymous tips may be eligible for a reward.