Yesenia Arriaga Larsen, aged 30, and her husband, William Adrian Larsen, were found dead on November 9, 2020, near Bridgeport, California. Their bodies were discovered by a snowplow driver on the shoulder of Highway 395, approximately 10 miles north of Bridgeport. The couple, originally from Burbank, California, had no known connections to Mono County, where their bodies were found.
The Mono County Sheriff's Office quickly determined that the crime was specific and targeted, posing no threat to the local community.
The investigation revealed that both Yesenia and William had criminal pasts. In 2018, they were arrested in Erie, Pennsylvania, with 84 pounds of marijuana and 1,200 vape cartridges filled with THC. William served six months of a 24-month sentence, while Yesenia completed a drug diversion program. The couple's murders were linked to a missing person case involving Jered Stefansky, who disappeared in June 2020 after a $400,000 marijuana deal. This connection led investigators to believe that the murders might have been a "hit job" or "payback" related to the drug trade.
The Mono County Sheriff's Office, along with other law enforcement agencies, launched an extensive investigation into the double homicide. They offered a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects involved. Despite the efforts, the case remains unsolved, with no arrests made or suspects publicly identified. The investigation continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
The tragic deaths of Yesenia and William Larsen highlight the dangers associated with the illegal drug trade and the potential for violent retribution. Their case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating drug-related crimes and ensuring justice for victims and their families.
