California – Some murders remain unsolved for years. Others leave families waiting decades for answers, hoping that one witness, one overlooked detail, or one phone call might finally reveal who was responsible.
California is now offering $300,000 in rewards across six counties to help solve seven killings dating back as far as 1987. Governor Gavin Newsom announced six $50,000 rewards for information leading to arrests and convictions in cases involving victims from San Mateo, Sacramento, Fresno, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ventura counties.
“Every family deserves answers when a loved one is taken by violence. For the families of Michelle Matteucci, Gurmej Atwal, Surinder Singh, John Graves, Darnell Smith, Eduardo Lira, and Estevan Mejia, may they soon have the justice they deserve. If you know something about their cases, please reach out to local law enforcement,” Newsom said.
The oldest case involves Michelle Matteucci, a 13-year-old eighth-grader at Alta Loma Junior High School. She was sexually assaulted, beaten, and strangled while walking home from school in Daly City in 1987. Anyone with information can contact police at 650-991-8119.
In Sacramento County, investigators continue seeking answers about the 2011 murders of Gurmej Atwal, 78, and Surinder Singh, 65. Both men were shot during their regular afternoon walk in Elk Grove when a lifted truck approached them. A park was named in their honor in 2016. Tips can be reported at 916-627-3111.
Another case involves John Graves, a 27-year-old father of three who was shot while stopped at a Fresno intersection in 2017. Central Valley Crime Stoppers previously offered $3,000 for information. Fresno police can be reached at 559-621-2440.
In San Diego, 20-year-old college student and Cox Cable employee Darnell Smith was killed in 2008 when a gunman emerged from a black SUV and opened fire. Investigators can be reached at 619-531-2293, while anonymous tips can be submitted through San Diego County Crime Stoppers.
Ventura County’s case concerns Eduardo Lira, 20, who was killed in a 2018 shooting in Santa Paula that also injured his companion. Information can be provided at 805-826-2227.
The most recent killing occurred in 2024, when Estevan Mejia, 34, a nurse working for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, was found fatally shot in South El Monte. His stripped vehicle was recovered the following day. Investigators can be contacted at 323-890-5500.
Under California Penal Code Section 1547, law enforcement agencies can request gubernatorial rewards after exhausting investigative leads.
Additional details are available through the state’s Governor’s Reward Program.