By Jessica
Patrick Joseph Garza and his girlfriend, April Leann Weber were barely into adulthood when the two of them were murdered in Stockton, CA. Investigators believe the couple were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time when gang violence spilled over and changed the lives for them and their loves ones.
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| Map or Area near Quik Stop on Fremont Street in Stockton, via Google Maps |
On the night of September 3, 2002, Garza and Weber were in the parking lot of the Quik Stop at 2285 E. Fremont Street using the pay phone when a witness reported hearing gunshots and seeing two men running towards a vehicle. The car they ran towards and left the scene in was described as dark and parked near a closed veterinary clinic. Surveillance footage from the night also showed two men but unfortunately, their faces were not clear. The Stockton Record reported that there were half a dozen shots fired.
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| Pic of Quik Stop in 2002 via ABC10 from Stockton Police |
It was also reported that the Quik Stop parking lot was known as a dangerous place and for its connection to the drug trade. While another crime in the area would be believed to be connected due to ballistic evidence this crime would grow cold over the years. Investigators however, would not give up trying to solve the murder of Patrick Garza and April Weber believing that someone who holds important information would hopefully come forward. And in recent years another piece of crucial evidence is being looked at.
In the parking lot after the murders a cold beer bottle was found in a parking spot. Believing this bottle could be the key to finding whoever was in the parking lot with the victims, DNA was run and a match was found. While this evidence is still in the preliminary stages and hasn't provided enough for an arrest warrant it is still a key piece to the puzzle of this case. Investigators have not released the name of the DNA match to the public but continue to follow the evidence.
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| Pic of beer bottle found at scene in 2002 via ABC10 from Stockton Police |
Patrick Garza was 21 years old and described by his family as an artist who loved to draw, listen to music and camping trips at Woodward Reservoir in Oakdale, CA.
April Weber was 20 years old and left behind her mother and a child from a previous relationship.
Both Garza and Weber left behind loved ones and everyone involved deserve closure in this terrible crime.
If you have any information about this crime please contact Stockton Crime Stoppers at 209-946-0600 or online at stocktoncrimestoppers.com.
For more information about this crime:
Firpo, Eric. "Police Turn to Public for Help in Solving Double Slaying." The Record, Sept 6, 2002.
Wade, Madison. "Stockon police say they are close to finding out who killed April Weber and Patrick Garza/Unsolved California." ABC 10, March 19, 2021.
