GAFFNEY, S.C. (July 4, 2009)—The Fourth of July will likely be a subdued holiday in Gaffney, S.C. where police say a serial killer is on the loose.

In the past week, five people have been gunned down in four separate incidents.

Four of the victims died.

The most recent shootings were less than a half-mile from the sheriff's office, where at least 30 investigators were already working the case.

The state senator who represents Gaffney says the tension in his town is so thick it could be cut with a knife.

One woman who was planning a Fourth of July barbecue says she'll stay indoors instead, with the doors locked.

The county sheriff says every available police officer will work the weekend.

Residents are being urged to take precautions, such as going out in groups.

The killings started about a week ago, when a peach farmer was found shot in his living room.

Investigators said it appears the man was robbed, but they have not determined if anything was taken in the other killings.