Stockton Taxi Driver Shot And Killed

STOCKTON (CBS13) -- Investigators are searching for witnesses and trying to piece together clues in the murder of a Stockton taxi driver who was found dead early Sunday morning.

The Stockton Police Department said officers found 44-year-old Luis Palma unresponsive in the driver's seat of his taxi near Lincoln Street and Washington Street at about 1:44 a.m., shortly after receiving a report of gunshots in the area.

Palma was pronounced dead at the scene.

Stockton Police Officer Pete Smith said investigators can't release much information on a possible motive for the crime, but added that there is no indication Palma was doing anything other than trying to pick up a fare when he was killed.

Nearby residents reported seeing four or five women and possibly one man running away from the scene shortly after the incident, but it is not clear if they are connected to the case.

Anyone with information on Palma's death or the identities of the people seen fleeing the scene is asked to contact the Stockton Police Department at (209) 937-8323.