Christopher Edward Stephens (left), 37, and Ryan Randall Sutter, 29, both of Fresno, were charged in relation to the the murder of Micaela Faith Navarro, 26, of Fresno, the Fresno County District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. (Fresno County Sheriff's Office)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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