FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — Two men are now charged with the disappearance and murder of 26-year-old Micaela Navarro in Fresno.
37-year-old Christopher Stephens was arrested and charged with her murder and 29-year-old Ryan Sutter is charged as an accessory after the fact.
Her family now fighting for closure and accountability.
“She was a light in our lives, her love for singing and her passionate spirit touched so many people, and we are here today to honor her memory and demand justice for her,” said Shawntee Ashberry, the victim’s mother.
The case is moving forward, even though Navarro’s body has not been found, more than a year after she went missing.
“This will be our second holiday season without Micaela, its a time of year that she loved, a season when her voice would fill the room, and her passion would brighten everyone’s spirits,” said Ashberry.
“Now, her absence lives a void that cannot be filled.”
Fresno police say their investigation into her disappearance started in September 2023, when a tip came in saying Navarro was killed by Stephens.
The two were in a relationship and lived together at the time.
Action News cameras were the only ones rolling when Stephens appeared in court for the first time.
He was there via Zoom in a hospital bed and pled not guilty after expressing confusion.
“I need a lawyer, I need everything explained to me,” said Stephens.
Legal Analyst Tony Capozzi says even without Navarro’s remains, this case can go trial.
“It’s happened before where bodies have not been found, and defendants have been charged with murder. And circumstantial evidence has to show and indicate that this is a murder case,” said Capozzi.
Investigators say they have contacted over 50 people, served 70 search warrants, and posted a social media bulletin but nothing has led to them believing she is still alive.
“Daily social media that Micaela would post stopped. That was another one of the clues that detectives used to help determine she was no longer with us,” said Interim Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto.
Her family is now hoping to turn the chapter in a book full of heartbreak.
“If we can find a place to put her to rest, and a place to visit my daughter, because that’s the minimum that she deserves,” said Michael Navarro, the victim’s father.
Stephens will be back in court December 27th for a pre preliminary hearing, and faces 25 years to life if convicted.
Sutter was released from custody, and his court date is set for January.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
