Santa Rosa woman’s suspected killer arrested

(KRON) — Santa Rosa Police Department detectives arrested the suspect killer of a woman who was slain downtown last summer.

Lisa Shiffer-McCool was stabbed to death on Prince Memorial Greenway, between Santa Rosa Avenue and A Street, on July 21, 2024. Shiffer-McCool, 61, died at the scene.

Detectives recently made a “major breakthrough in the investigation” and arrested 23-year-old Praveem Farmeva of 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,” SRPD wrote.

Detectives believe Farmevai fatally stabbed and possibly sexually assaulted Shiffer-McCool after an argument.

Farmevai was being held at a Sonoma County for an unrelated robbery charge when police re-arrested him on suspicion of homicide. A search warrant was also executed at Farmevai’s residence on the 1700 block of Saint Irene Way.

“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 police department wrote.

SRPD encourages anyone with additional information related to this case to contact its Violent Crimes Investigations team at 707-543-3590.