Jose Pilar Rojas, 59, was shot in the head on the evening of August 4, 2022, near the side yard of his home in the 1800 block of La Brea Street in Ramona, California. He was taken to hospital and died of his wounds two days later. Rojas was remembered as a hardworking, friendly man who often picked fruit on his land.

A suspect was identified soon after. Eduardo Contreras, 29, was arrested on August 5, 2022, on suspicion of drug possession in the 1700 block of La Brea Street, near the crime scene. On August 15 homicide detectives added charges including murder, possession of a controlled substance while armed, and illegal possession of a firearm. Authorities say Contreras and Rojas were acquaintances; the motive has not been released.

Anyone with information about what happened that evening or about Rojas’s activities leading up to August 4 is asked to come forward.