Gildardo Contreras Morales, 48

 Gildardo Contreras Morales, 48, was shot and killed Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014, as he was driving to work in Pacoima, according to authorities. 

Morales' body was found in his pickup, with the motor still running, around 5:30 a.m., investigators said. 

Investigators believe Morales was one of 15 people who were randomly targeted by accused serial killer Alexander Hernandez, 34, of Sylmar.  

The Los Angeles County district attorney's office has charged Hernandez with five counts of capital murder and 10 counts of attempted murder in connection with drive-by shootings between March and August of 2014 in the San Fernando Valley. 

Three of his alleged victims were killed in a one-hour shooting spree the morning of Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014. 

Mariana Franco, 23, was shot and killed about 5:50 a.m. in the 1400 block of Celis Street in San Fernando as she was riding in a car with her family to go to early morning Mass. 

Michael Planells, 29, was shot and killed in the parking lot of the Sylmar Recreation Center at 13109 Borden Avenue as he was searching for cans to recycle.  And Gloria Tovar was shot and killed about 6:45 a.m. as she was sitting in her parked car in the 12900 block of Filmore Street in Pacoima, waiting for a friend to drive her to church.

Hernandez is also accused of killing Sergio Sanchez, 35, as Sanchez was driving home from work early in the morning of March 14, 2014, near the Roxford Street offramp to the 210 Freeway.

— Jeanette Marantos

Note: Law enforcement has placed Morales' autopsy on a so-called security hold. The Times will update this entry once the hold is lifted.