A Sunday traffic stop in Clearlake that started as a simple registration issue ended with two Santa Rosa residents dead and two people in custody in Lake County, authorities said. After officers pulled over a gray Chevrolet Suburban for a registration violation, they found one person unresponsive inside the SUV and later located a second victim at a separate location. Two people who had been in the vehicle were detained at the scene and booked into jail while detectives sort out what happened.
According to The Press Democrat, the initial stop occurred on State Route 53 near Dam Road. The Suburban then continued on and finally pulled over on 18th Avenue near Oak Street, where officers spotted fresh blood inside the vehicle. They followed the blood to the rear passenger area and found an unresponsive man, the outlet reported.
CHP Takes Lead On Homicide Investigation
The California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake Area office is now heading up the homicide investigation and has called in assistance from CHP’s Northern Division Investigative Services Unit, according to Lake County News. CHP officials said they are coordinating closely with the Lake County District Attorney’s Office and the Clearlake Police Department and have asked anyone with information to contact Lt. Dan Fansler at the Clear Lake CHP office. Investigators emphasized that they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public.
Victims Identified And Two Suspects Booked
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased as 43-year-old Desiree Carmen Fuentes and 58-year-old Terry Joe Harris, The Press Democrat reported. The outlet stated that 37-year-old passenger Alex Kenneth Schussolin attempted to run from officers as they arrived, and a firearm was recovered near the path where he fled. Driver Jasslynn Pearl Critchett stayed at the scene, and both were later booked into the Lake County Jail on suspicion of murder, carjacking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Clearlake Police Chief John Pinoli told reporters that the incident demonstrates how quickly our officers need to assess and respond to unexpected situations, underscoring how a routine traffic stop can turn into a major crime scene in a matter of moments.
Detectives Working To Reconstruct Timeline
CHP detectives are still processing physical evidence and working with the Lake County District Attorney’s Office as they try to piece together the full timeline of events, Lake County News reported. Officials said early indications suggest the case may have originated in Sonoma County before moving into Lake County, and investigators are urging any potential witnesses to come forward. Local booking records show that both suspects remain in custody while the investigation continues.
Authorities stressed that being booked on suspicion of a crime is an allegation, not a conviction. The Lake County District Attorney will review the investigative findings before deciding on any formal charges. Anyone with tips, footage, or other information related to the case is asked to contact the Clear Lake CHP office at 707-281-5200.
