Texas DPS seeks info on El Paso woman’s 1995 cold case murder

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The Texas Department of Public Safety asked the public for information about a 1995 murder that happened in East El Paso. Friday, the DPS said the reward for information leading to an arrest increased to $6,000.

On Feb. 7, 1995, 30-year-old Celia Loya called her colleagues at American Sling to let them know she'd be late to work that day. DPS said she never arrived.

Her husband checked their home on Lake Champlain Street and found her body on the bathroom floor, severely beaten, according to DPS.

DPS said Loya died from blood loss stemming from blunt force trauma injuries to her head and body. Officials also found signs of an apparent struggle in the living room.

Years after her murder, investigators developed and followed several leads, interviewed people and examined evidence to find who killed Loya. DPS no arrests have ever been made in connection to the murder.

More than 30 years later, the El Paso Police Department and Texas rangers are asking the public for help as they continue to investigate Loya's murder.

Authorities believe the public may have information that could solve the case, including details about Loya's activities and whereabouts leading up to her death. DPS is looking for anyone who may have seen her or been in the area during the morning of the murder.

To be eligible for cash rewards, people must provide information to authorities using specific methods, DPS said. Tips can be given through the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477) or online.

If you use the online form, select "Cold Cases Featured" and "Cold Case" in the type of crime and offense type sections.

As part of a DPS public awareness program, one case from the Texas Ranger Unsolved Crimes Investigation (Cold Case) Program is featured bi-monthly to generate new investigative leads and bring attention to these cold cases. Texas Crime Stoppers rewards are increased up to $6,000 for featured cases to generate tips. The higher reward will only be paid if the tip is submitted before the next cold case is featured.