Jury Finds Wesley Brownlee Competent To Stand Trial

District Attorney Ron Freitas announced today that a San Joaquin County jury found defendant Wesley Brownlee competent to stand trial on six counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, and related special circumstances allegations stemming from the 2021–2022 Stockton serial killings.

“This verdict confirms what the evidence has shown all along: Wesley Brownlee is competent to stand trial,” said District Attorney Ron Freitas. “After years of delay, the victims’ families and this community deserve their day in court. We are ready to proceed and will continue to fight for justice for the victims and the survivor, Natasha LaTour. These were horrific crimes that terrorized our community, and we will not rest until justice is served.”

The prosecution was led by Deputy District Attorney Elton Grau, with support from paralegal Michelle Vargas. The office also thanks Chief Stanley McFadden and the Stockton Police Department for their investigation.

With this finding, the case can now proceed to trial.

The defendant's next scheduled court date is November 2, 2026 at 1:30 PM in Department 9B.