Eric Velasquez

Santa Paula, CA (April 2026) – Eric Velasquez was an outgoing, highly accomplished 21-year-old student when he was murdered in March 1994. Born in Trinidad, Colorado, Eric adjusted easily to relocations throughout his childhood, eventually moving with his family to California. He was a gifted artist and student, earning the prestigious Bank of America achievement award in Art, frequently making the honor roll, and teaching himself how to fish and surf. Following his high school graduation, Eric pursued a business degree at Santa Barbara City College with aspirations of attending law school. Due to financial constraints, he temporarily paused his second semester to move back home to Ventura, California, where he helped care for his two younger brothers and worked as a salesman for the Los Angeles Times.

On a Sunday night in March 1994, tragedy struck following a weekend trip to La Puente to visit his girlfriend. While driving two friends back to their apartment, the group spotted a vehicle outside a home with which they had been involved in an earlier confrontation. One of Eric’s friends exited the car and shattered the vehicle’s window before they drove away. Later, at the apartment complex, a dispute arose over the property damage, prompting law enforcement to intervene and settle the immediate tension. After the police left, Eric went inside with his friend to eat before walking out to his car in the carport to head home. An unknown suspect, believed by police to have been waiting outside, shot Eric in the chest as he entered his vehicle.

The devastating loss took an immense emotional toll on his family, who have spent over three decades battling depression and searching for answers. Despite the tragedy, Eric’s generous nature extended beyond his death; his family honored his wishes through cornea donation, which successfully restored the sight of two transplant recipients. In 2022, his mother, Susan Ventura, successfully petitioned the Governor of California to secure a $50,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.

“His killer really destroyed everything he was going to be,” his mother said. “He was going to be something great.”

To mark 32 years since his tragic death and generate fresh leads, a new billboard campaign sponsored by Season of Justice has been launched in Santa Paula, California, near the area where Eric was killed. The billboard campaign will run through the first week of June 2026, keeping Eric’s memory alive and encouraging anyone with information to finally come forward and bring peace to his family.

Anyone with information regarding the murder of Eric Velasquez is urged to contact local law enforcement or submit an anonymous tip by clicking the button below. You may be eligible for a $50,000.00 reward.