A Lucerne man has been arrested in connection with the fentanyl-related death of a 28-year-old woman in what the Lake County Sheriff’s Office says is the county’s second fentanyl homicide case.
On June 18, 2025, Lake County Sheriff’s detectives arrested 40-year-old Ryan Stahl on suspicion of second-degree murder, as well as possession and transportation of a controlled substance for sale. The charges stem from the February death of Carissa Morton, who was found deceased inside her home in the 3400 block of Beach Street in Nice after she was reported missing.
According to a press release issued by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office—with the consent of Morton’s family—deputies discovered her body when they entered her home on February 28. Investigators initially believed she had died of a fentanyl overdose. A subsequent autopsy and toxicology report in May confirmed fentanyl as the cause of death.
Detectives with the Major Crimes Unit launched a months-long investigation to determine who had supplied the lethal dose. The Sheriff’s Office said the team interviewed witnesses, executed search warrants, and reviewed digital and video evidence before identifying Stahl as the alleged source of the fentanyl.
The case was submitted to the Lake County District Attorney’s Office, which opted to pursue a murder charge against Stahl. He was taken into custody in Lucerne after detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest.
All charges against Stahl are allegations and have not been proven in a court of law. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
“This case marks Lake County’s second fentanyl homicide arrest,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in the release. “We want to acknowledge the dedication of the detectives and deputies involved in this case, whose diligent work made this arrest possible.”
For those struggling with substance use or mental health challenges, help is available through the national crisis line at 988 or locally via Lake County Behavioral Health Services at lakecountyca.gov.
Anyone with additional information about the case is urged to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit Tip Line at 707-262-4088.
Would like to see a mug shot.
I’ve bought plenty and never overdosed. Wonder what the cartel has been putting in there un-American made recipe. This is why we voted red
They should pass this stuff out Free at the next NO KINGS…BECAUSE WE ARE ALL QUEENS parade. Ill help serve.