In what began as a routine traffic stop, the grim discovery of a double homicide unfolded, claiming the life of 58-year-old Terry Joe Harris, a White male from Santa Rosa, California. On Sunday, April 5, 2026, his life was tragically cut short, a fact that would only come to light after a series of events culminated in his body being found in the back of a vehicle in Lake County.
The incident began to unravel when California Highway Patrol officers pulled over a gray Chevy Suburban for a registration violation in Clearlake. The stop took a dramatic turn when a passenger, later identified as 37-year-old Alex Kenneth Schussolin, attempted to flee the scene. He was quickly apprehended. The driver, 32-year-old Jasslynn Pearl Critchett, remained with the vehicle. It was during their contact with Critchett that officers noticed blood inside the SUV, leading them to the horrific discovery of Harris's unresponsive body in the rear passenger area. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation didn't end there. As detectives delved deeper into the circumstances, they were led to a second victim, 43-year-old Desiree Carmen Fuentes, also a resident of Santa Rosa. Her body was found down an embankment off State Route 175. It is believed that both Harris and Fuentes were friends who had met through an addiction recovery program and were both working to improve their lives. Prosecutors have since confirmed that both Harris and Fuentes died from gunshot wounds.
Authorities believe the tragic events originated in Sonoma County before moving into Lake County where the suspects were apprehended. Following the discovery, both Schussolin and Critchett, residents of Clearlake, were arrested and booked into the Lake County Jail. They are facing serious charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, carjacking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Both suspects have pleaded not guilty to the charges and remain in custody as the investigation continues.
