Charges Filed for the Murder of Missing Fresno Woman, Micaela Navarro

Published on December 18, 2024

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges against Christopher Edward Stephens (37, of Fresno) and Ryan Randall Sutter (29, of Fresno) for the Murder of Micaela Faith Navarro (26, of Fresno) and accessory after the Fact.

It is alleged that on or about September 1, 2023, Stephens murdered Micaela Faith Navarro and thereafter buried her body in Fresno County with the assistance of Ryan Sutter. Micaela’s body has not been located.

The Felony Complaint filed in the Superior Court alleges that Christopher Edward Stephens committed:

• One (1) Count of MURDER [Penal Code §187(a)]

The Felony Complaint filed in the Superior Court alleges that Ryan Randall Sutter committed:

• One (1) Count of ACCESSORY AFTER THE FACT [Penal Code §32/187(a)]

If convicted of all charges and allegations, Stephens faces 25 years to life and Sutter faces 3 years prison.

Defendant Christopher Stephens was arrested on December 16, 2024, in Fresno, CA and defendant Ryan Sutter was arrested on December 17, 2024, in Fresno, CA and thereafter both defendants were booked into the Fresno County Jail. The arraignment for the defendants is scheduled for December 19, 2024, at 8:30 AM in Department 33 of the Fresno County Superior Court.

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