SANTA PAULA — October 26, 2026. A new appeal by California’s governor has drawn statewide attention to an unsolved homicide in Santa Paula. The October 23 announcement covers multiple cases across six counties and says rewards are available for qualifying information leading to an arrest and conviction. This report concerns a renewed appeal, not a new crime committed this week.
What authorities have confirmed about Eduardo Lira
Eduardo Lira, 20, was fatally shot in Santa Paula in 2018, according to the state’s October 23 release. The official account places the shooting near High and Sycamore streets while Lira was walking with another person. His companion was injured.
This is an appeal for new information about an unresolved crime, not a notice of a newly identified suspect or an arrest. California58 will distinguish information documented by police from speculation shared on social networks and will not publish unverified accusations against local residents.
How to submit information
Anyone who may have relevant facts can contact the Santa Paula Police Department, Commander Eric Starna at 805-826-2227. In an emergency, call 911 instead of using an investigative tip line. People should not attempt to investigate independently, approach anyone they suspect, or publicly circulate unverified allegations.
The $300,000 cited in the state announcement refers to the broader group of unsolved investigations; it is not necessarily a reward amount applicable to every individual tip. Conditions of eligibility and whether information qualifies for a reward are decided under the official program’s rules.
Primary source: California governor’s official rewards announcement dated October 23, 2026. California58’s statewide overview provides context on the other cases. The newsroom has not conducted a separate interview with the affected families.
Help this community newspaper grow
Your support helps build coverage for the people and places this local newspaper serves.
Donate once by card ↗Support Santa Paula News
Choose how to support Santa Paula News:
Credit / Debit Card via StripeChoose an amount from $1. One-time support through the publisher's LINKERNO Stripe account.
Continue with PayPal Continue with ZelleZelle payments go to Vitaly Ataev Troshin. Please verify the recipient in your bank before sending. Availability depends on your bank.
Optional reader support. When possible, add “Santa Paula News” to the payment note. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible. Support does not influence editorial decisions.
COMMUNITY
Comments
Join the California58 conversation. You must be signed in to comment.
Create a free California58 account or sign in with an available social provider.