El Paso Police Increase Reward in 1995 Loya Murder Case
Authorities are seeking new information regarding the decades-old cold case involving the death of Celia Loya.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Violence
The El Paso Police Department has raised the reward for information related to the 1995 murder of Celia Loya. Loya was discovered by her husband on their bathroom floor after suffering fatal injuries.
Why it matters
The increased reward is intended to generate new leads in a cold case that has remained unsolved for nearly 30 years. Investigators hope the financial incentive will encourage individuals with information to come forward to help provide closure for the family.
The investigation, currently led by the El Paso Police Department and the Texas Rangers, centers on the 1995 death of Celia Loya. The victim suffered blunt force trauma to the head and body that resulted in extensive blood loss.
The players
Celia Loya
She was the wife and mother who was murdered in 1995.
El Paso Police Department
This local law enforcement agency is responsible for investigating crimes and maintaining public safety within El Paso.
Texas Rangers
This elite division of the Texas Department of Public Safety provides specialized investigative support for major criminal cases across the state.
The details
Celia Loya, who was a wife and mother, was found deceased by her husband inside their home. A subsequent investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety determined the specific nature of the fatal injuries she sustained.
Timeline
The murder of Celia Loya occurred in 1995.
Authorities increased the reward money for the cold case in October 2026.
Legal Context
The investigation into the 1995 murder of Celia Loya follows a pattern seen in other long-standing cold cases where authorities leverage increased rewards to stimulate new witness tips. This approach remains a common tool for departments seeking to resolve stagnant homicide files in El Paso.
Residents of El Paso are encouraged to contact authorities if they have any information pertaining to the 1995 incident. The involvement of the Texas Rangers alongside local police emphasizes the high priority currently placed on resolving this long-unsolved crime.
The takeaway
Cold cases like the Loya murder demonstrate that authorities continue to prioritize legacy investigations long after the initial crime. Providing even minor details to investigators can sometimes serve as the missing piece required to advance a case that has spanned decades.
Further reading
For more updates on local law enforcement efforts, visit the El Paso Violence section.
