Stacey Christ Charged with Murder in Fentanyl Death of Richard Bennett
TUOLUMNE COUNTY, Calif. — Stacey Renee Christ, 27, has been charged with murder in the case of Richard Bennett, who died on October 10, 2024, due to acute fentanyl poisoning. The charge was filed in Tuolumne County Superior Court on Monday.
The Tuolumne County District Attorney’s Office claims that Christ knowingly provided Bennett with fentanyl, despite her awareness of the drug’s dangers. A ten-week investigation by the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Team (TNT) led to the charges. Law enforcement is encouraging anyone with additional information about Bennett’s death or Christ’s drug dealings to contact the TNT tip line at 209-533-5884.
Christ was previously arrested on November 7, 2024, during a traffic stop as part of a broader fentanyl trafficking investigation. Deputies pulled over a vehicle along Highway 108 near Green Springs Road in Tuolumne County. Christ, along with two other individuals, was arrested after 28.5 grams of fentanyl isotonitazene (ISO) — a synthetic opioid 20 times more potent than fentanyl — was discovered in the vehicle. Authorities also found 2 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and drug paraphernalia.
The fentanyl ISO had reportedly been purchased in the San Francisco area and brought to Tuolumne County. Christ now faces charges for fentanyl possession, transportation, and murder related to Bennett’s overdose.