Christopher Edward Stephens, 37, and Ryan Randall Sutter, 29, both of Fresno, were charged in relation to the the murder of Micaela Faith Navarro (pictured), 26, of Fresno, the Fresno County District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. (Fresno PD)
Share
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Two Fresno men have been charged in connection with the murder of Micaela Faith Navarro, 26, of Fresno, whose body hasn’t been located, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.
Related Story: Fresno Man Gets 50 Years to Life in Prison for Murder and Attempted Murder
Christopher Edward Stephens, 37, is accused of murdering Navarro around Sept. 1, 2023, and enlisting the help of Ryan Randall Sutter, 29, of Fresno, to bury her body in Fresno County, according to prosecutors.
It’s rare for prosecutors to charge someone with murder without having the victim’s remains. That’s because a defense attorney could argue that the person wasn’t murdered and, in fact, is simply missing.
Stephens faces one count of murder. Sutter is charged with being an accessory after the fact.
If convicted, Stephens could face 25 years to life in prison, while Sutter could serve up to three years.
Related Story: Fresno County Mail Theft Probe Leads to Five Arrests
Stephens was arrested on Monday in Fresno and Sutter was apprehended the following day.
Their arraignment is scheduled for Thursday at 8:30 a.m. in Department 33 of Fresno County Superior Court.
Related Story: Fresno Man Arrested After Stolen Truck Chase Ties Up Traffic on Clovis Avenue
—
Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.
RELATED TOPICS:
Categories
Clovis Police, ABC Cite Three for Giving Alcohol to Minors in Shoulder Tap Operation
US Overdose Deaths Fell 27% Last Year, the Largest One-Year Decline Ever Seen
California Democrats Restore Penalties in Teen Sex Trafficking Bill After Backlash
