I'm sure they do -- but after reading the article, I'm not sure that any of us wouldn't have that same reaction of "I'm not letting my kiddo outside til I know more about what is going on!" Regardless of whether it was race based or not. I remember when I was younger some serial killer in the area that was targeting brunettes, and my folks and all the neighbors had essentially the same reaction.
I hope more facts come to light as quickly as possible so people can be safer. Serial killers usually have a "type" whether that's race based, hair color based, job based or whatever based. More info can only help. :-/