Man charged with homicide in deadly fentanyl overdose of 40-year-old man in Norco

An individual suspected within the fentanyl-related overdose dying of a 40-year-old man in Norco final 12 months was charged Friday with homicide, officers mentioned.

On Nov. 19, Riverside County sheriff’s deputies discovered an unresponsive man on the intersection of Stagecoach Drive and Roundup Road in Norco. The sufferer was recognized as 40-year-old Jason Schmuch; he was pronounced dead on the scene, sheriff’s officers mentioned in a press release Friday.

Investigators later discovered proof in line with a fentanyl overdose, and the coroner’s workplace confirmed Schmuch died as a consequence of fentanyl poisoning.

Johnnie Stevens was recognized as an individual of curiosity within the case, and deputies searched Stevens’ residence on the 5000 block of Trail Street in Norco; they allegedly discovered fentanyl, methamphetamine and paraphernalia  Additionally, deputies discovered that Stevens’ daughter had entry to the medication, and Stevens was arrested on suspicion of kid endangerment at his residence. He was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center. based on Friday’s assertion.

At that point, Stevens was charged with possession of managed substances and enrolled in a drug diversion program, court docket information present. The investigation into Schmuch’s dying continued.

On Wednesday, April 24, Stevens was present in Anaheim and arrested on suspicion of second-degree homicide in reference to the dying, and possession of managed substances, the sheriff’s assertion mentioned.

The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office filed homicide fees towards Stevens on Friday, officers mentioned.

Stevens is held in lieu of $1 million bail, arrest information present.

Anyone with further data can contact Investigator Shaffer at 951–955–1700.