How to resolve AdBlock issue? LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The February death of a Northshore woman has led to the second homicide arrest the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has made connected to fentanyl.
On Wednesday, sheriff’s detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Ryan John Stahl, 40, of Lucerne, for the death of Carissa Morton, 28, of Nice, said sheriff’s office spokesperson Lauren Berlinn.
Berlinn said detectives found Stahl in Lucerne and placed him under arrest for second degree murder, possession of a controlled substance for sale and transportation of a controlled substance for sale.
On Feb. 28, Morton was reported missing to the sheriff’s office. Berlinn said deputies responded to her residence in the 3400 block of Beach Street in Nice.
Deputies gained entry to the residence and found Morton deceased inside. During the initial death investigation, it was believed Morton died from a fentanyl overdose, Berlinn said.
Berlinn said the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit Detectives immediately initiated a criminal investigation to determine who provided Morton with the fentanyl.
Over the course of the investigation, detectives interviewed witnesses, served search warrants, analyzed digital evidence and reviewed video surveillance footage, which Berlinn said led them to identify Stahl as the individual responsible for supplying Morton with the fentanyl that led to her death.
An autopsy of Morton was conducted. In May, toxicology results confirmed that the cause of death was a fentanyl overdose, Berlinn said.
Berlinn said the Major Crimes Unit referred the case to the Lake County District Attorney’s Office for review, and it was determined that Stahl would be prosecuted for Morton’s murder.
That decision led to the detectives obtaining an arrest warrant for Stahl, Berlinn said.
Jail records show Stahl was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon and is being held at the Lake County Jail on $1 million bail.
Stahl also is facing felony charges from cases filed in March and May for possession of drugs for sale and possession of controlled substance paraphernalia.
He was held to answer following an April preliminary hearing on the March case and is scheduled for a jury trial in July.
A review of Lake County Superior Court records shows that Stahl has no other courts records outside of a March traffic infraction.
Stahl’s arrest is the second fentanyl homicide arrest in Lake County.
The first, which came exactly a year ago this month, was of Joe Boggs Jr. of Lucerne for the death of 17-year-old Illeanna Makena Frease in November of 2023.
Boggs, arrested on June 14, 2024, is alleged to have provided fentanyl to Frease, a member of the Elem Indian Colony. Frease’s mother accused Boggs, who also is Native American, of operating on and off of tribal lands openly, trafficking her daughter and poisoning her to death.
Boggs has an extensive criminal history with convictions for felonies in drug, assault and grand theft cases.
In July, Boggs was held to answer following a preliminary hearing and is set for trial which is scheduled to begin on Sept. 17.
He remains in custody at the Lake County Jail, with bail set at $1,001,000.
“The Sheriff’s Office is proud to be at the forefront of investigating these complex cases and seeking justice for victims. We want to acknowledge the dedication of the detectives and deputies involved in this case, whose diligent work made this arrest possible,” Berlinn said.
She added that the sheriff’s office will continue to combat the fentanyl crisis and hold fentanyl dealers accountable, adding, “We extend our deepest condolences to Carissa’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. To access local support for mental health, substance use, or other behavioral health services, please visit lakecountyca.gov/173/Behavioral-Health-Services.
If anyone has information regarding this case, please contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit Tip Line at 707-262-4088.
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