Third stabbing near UC Davis in a week fuels ‘serial killer’ fears

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A third stabbing in less than a week occurred on Monday (1 May) near the University of California Davis campus, triggering the City of Davis Police to issue a shelter-in-place until Tuesday morning and sending fears of a potential serial killer through the community.

Officers responded to an adult woman who reported that a suspect stabbed her more than one time through a tent near 2nd Street and L Street, according to the Davis Police Department.

The woman was taken to UC Davis Medical Center where she was treated for her wounds. At last notice, the woman was in critical condition.

The terrifying stabbing marks the third time in less than a week that a person has been stabbed near the college campus. The other two incidents have been fatal.

Police acknowledged that the three stabbings had “similarities” in both the way they were conducted and the description of the suspect given. Though authorities said in a press conference posted to Facebook that they weren’t able to “positively link the three crimes.”

In a press conference reported by CBS, Mr Pytel said: “Everybody is asking if these three crimes are connected and it certainly seems more probable than not that they are.”

One man was found deceased after suffering from multiple stab wounds after a “violent attack” on 27 April near Central Park in downtown Davis, according to law enforcement.

Then on 30 April, another man, who was a student at UC Davis, died after being violently attacked with a knife at Sycamore Park.

Following the third stabbing, the City of Davis Police issued a shelter-in-place order for people in the community as police searched for the suspect. The request asked people to seek safety inside a building and remain there if possible.

The order was lifted the following morning after an unsuccessful search for the suspect.

Davis police say they are searching for a suspect who has been described as a 5’6” to 5’9” light-skinned man with curly hair. He has been seen both on foot and riding a bike.

As of now, police are partnering with “numerous allied agencies” from the Yolo and Sacramento areas and conducting “detailed searches” of surrounding neighborhoods and downtown Davis via drones and K-9 units.

Mr Pytel also said the FBI and Department of Justice are assisting in the City of Davis police’s investigation.

As of Tuesday evening, Mr Pytel said they are trying to work with FBI profiling to determine if they are dealing with a serial killer.

They’re asking people to be aware of their surroundings and consider travelling in groups when out at night.

People can report suspicious activity by calling the police at 530-747-5400 or emailing policeweb@cityofdavis.org.