Ruben Alfaro, a 78-year-old resident of Oxnard, California, was tragically found dead in his van on April 27, 2014. The incident occurred on the 5300 block of Cypress Road, shortly after 1 p.m. Alfaro had just returned from the store and was sitting in his vehicle when he was shot in the head in broad daylight. The Oxnard Police Department described the incident as a senseless act of violence, noting that Alfaro was an innocent victim who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
He had no criminal history or gang affiliations, but investigators believe his killer likely had gang connections. The shooter or someone related to the area had mentioned a gang name from a rival neighborhood, suggesting a possible motive rooted in gang rivalry.
The investigation into Alfaro's death revealed that he was a deeply religious man who was well-loved by his family and community. His niece, Linda Castillo, remembered him as a kind individual who regularly attended church and participated in family gatherings. The family was left grieving and struggling to understand the senseless nature of his death. They also faced the financial burden of funeral expenses and appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator. A $10,000 reward was offered for information, but police reported limited cooperation from potential witnesses.
Despite the efforts of the Oxnard Police Department, the case remains unsolved. The department's cold case unit continues to seek information that could help bring justice for Alfaro and his family. The community is encouraged to come forward with any details, no matter how minor they may seem, to assist in solving this tragic case. The police have emphasized the importance of community involvement in solving such crimes and have provided multiple avenues for anonymous tips. The hope remains that one day, the person responsible for Ruben Alfaro's death will be brought to justice, providing some measure of closure for his grieving family.
