SRPD Violent Crimes Investigations Team Makes Arrest for 2024 Homicide

The Santa Rosa Police Department’s Violent Crimes Investigations Team (VCI) has made a major breakthrough in the investigation of the July 21, 2024, homicide of Lisa Shiffer-McCool, which occurred along the Prince Memorial Greenway in downtown Santa Rosa.

Although the case initially faced challenges due to limited evidence, VCI detectives remained persistent, following leads through witness interviews, surveillance footage, and DNA analysis. Their efforts ultimately led to the identification of the suspect.

Detectives have arrested 23-year-old Praveem Farmevai, a resident of Santa Rosa. Detectives believe Farmevai fatally stabbed and possibly sexually assaulted Shiffer-McCool after a brief argument on the Prince Memorial Greenway. Details about the sexual assault portion of the investigation will not be shared as this is still an ongoing investigation.

On June 24, 2025, following nearly a year of investigation, VCI detectives took Farmevai into custody at the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility, where he was already being held on an unrelated robbery charge. A search warrant was subsequently executed at Farmevai’s residence on the 1700 block of Saint Irene Way in Santa Rosa.

Due to the disturbing nature of the attack, Detectives are seeking any information the public may have about Farmevai or other incidents with similar circumstances. The SRPD encourages anyone with additional information related to this case to contact the Violent Crimes Investigations Team at 707-543-3590 or submit anonymous tips online www.srcity.org/CrimeTips.

For media inquiries, please contact Sergeant Brandon Matthies at bmatthies@srcity.org, referencing case number 24-8785.

***Original Release***

On Sunday, July 21, 2024, at 11:02 p.m., Santa Rosa Police Officers responded to the Prince Memorial Greenway for an unresponsive female down on the ground. When they arrived, officers located the victim on the Prince Memorial Greenway, between Santa Rosa Avenue and A Street. The victim was unresponsive and suffering from at least one stab wound. The victim did not survive the injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The victim was identified as a 61-year-old resident of Santa Rosa. Her identity will be released following the notification of her next of kin.

SRPD’s Violent Crimes Investigation Team responded and took over the investigation while Field and Evidence Technicians processed the scene. This investigation is still ongoing, and no arrests have been made. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that would assist with the investigation is encouraged to contact SRPD through our online Tip Line: www.srcity.org/CrimeTips.  You can also provide information by contacting Violent Crimes Investigations Detectives at (707) 543-3595.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered by the Sonoma County Alliance Community Engagement and Safety Rewards Fund.  The reward is for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved in this homicide.

Media inquiries may be directed to Sergeant Brandon Matthies at (707) 543-3593, or by email at bmatthies@srcity.org SRPD case number 24-8785.