Homicide Investigation 

April 4, 2026 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that an adult male subject, identified as Eduardo Ventura County Sheriff logoCastro, was found deceased in the flowing water of the Santa Clara River, just south of the A Street bridge, in the unincorporated area of Fillmore.

On April 2, 2026, at approximately 1:38 p.m., patrol units from the Fillmore Police Department responded to a call of a human body found in the flowing water of the Santa Clara River, just south of the A Street Bridge in Fillmore.  The body was partially submerged and was caught up in foliage located near the center of the swift flowing water. The Ventura County Fire Department arrived, pulled the body of an adult male ashore, and pronounced the male deceased.

Suspicious injuries were located on the male’s body which indicated that he may have been the victim of an assault. The man was positively identified as local unhoused resident, Eduardo Castro.  Investigators from the Fillmore Police Department and Major Crimes Bureau responded and Castro’s death is being investigated as a homicide.  The Major Crimes Bureau assumed lead in the investigation. 

Sheriff’s Major Crimes is actively investigating this incident.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Bill Meixner at (805) 384-4727.  At this time, this appears to be an isolated incident, with no on-going threat to the public. 

Nature of Incident:

Homicide Investigation

Report Number:

26-41570

Location:

Santa Clara River Bottom in Fillmore

Date & Time:

04/02/2026 @ 1:38 p.m.  

Unit(s) Responsible:

Major Crimes Bureau
Fillmore Detective Bureau
Fillmore Patrol
Homeless Liaison Unit
Crime Scene Investigations Unit
Ventura County Fire Department
Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent

City of Residence

Age

(V) Eduardo Castro

Fillmore

43

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information, which leads to arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Source: Ventura County Sheriff's Office