Prosecutors in Orange County say a 23-year-old woman from California killed and decapitated her 55-year-old boyfriend after the pair had been dating for about two months—then left his body inside her home before fleeing to Mexico.
The defendant, Alyssa Marie Lira of Anaheim, allegedly killed Enrique Gonzalez-Carbajal in August 2025, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Authorities say she remained on the run for roughly five months before being located and arrested on Jan. 22. She now faces a felony murder charge, along with a felony enhancement alleging she personally used a weapon, prosecutors said.
Director of Public Affairs Kimberly Edds described the alleged violence as deeply disturbing, noting the case involves a dating relationship where one would typically expect some level of care or emotional connection.
“This poor human … was brutalized,” Edds said.
Police say victim was found inside her home
According to prosecutors, Gonzalez-Carbajal was found inside Lira’s residence, prompting a response from local police. Anaheim Police public information officer Matt Sutter told Law&Crime that officers received the call on Aug. 25, 2025, shortly after 2 p.m.
Edds said investigators quickly concluded that Lira had fled to Mexico. She told Law&Crime it was a knife that Lira allegedly used in the killing, though she said she could not provide details about the type of knife.
Multi-agency search led to arrest
Authorities said Anaheim police detectives worked alongside the district attorney’s Organized Crime Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and FBI personnel based in Mexico, as well as Mexican authorities, to locate Lira.
Edds said Lira was eventually returned to the United States, and that the victim’s family was notified after her arrest. She added that the case has been traumatic for the victim’s loved ones and the broader community.
No motive disclosed; arraignment scheduled
A motive has not been publicly released. Lira is scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 13. She is currently being held in the Orange County Jail without bail, according to prosecutors.
“Hopefully she’ll remain in custody,” Edds said.
Speaking in a statement, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said that “nothing, not time, not distance, nor foreign borders” stopped investigators from finding Lira. He also praised the agencies involved, calling the case a reflection of their persistence and coordination in bringing a suspect back to face prosecution in the United States.
