April 27, 2024 - Riverside County Sheriff Department officials report on November 19, 2023, at 8:11 a.m., deputies from the Norco Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to the 
intersection of Stagecoach Drive and Roundup Road in Norco regarding an unresponsive male, later identified as 40-year-old Jason Schmuch; he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
During the initial investigation, deputies located evidence indicative of a fentanyl overdose. The case was assumed by the Riverside Sheriff’s Overdose Death Investigations and Narcotics Unit (ODIN). The Sheriff’s Coroner’s Bureau later confirmed Schmuch died as a result of fentanyl poisoning.
During the investigation, Johnnie Stevens was identified as a person of interest. On November 19, 2023, at 4:58 p.m., personnel from ODIN and the Norco Sheriff’s Station served a search warrant at Stevens’ residence in the 5000 block of Trail Street, Norco, and located fentanyl, methamphetamine, and paraphernalia. ODIN learned Stevens’ juvenile daughter also had access to the narcotics. Stevens was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for child endangerment. ODIN continued to investigate Stevens’ involvement in the death of Schmuch. Ultimately, a warrant was obtained for the arrest of Stevens for murder.
On April 24, 2024, members from the Riverside County Gang Impact Team (GIT) located Stevens in the city of Anaheim, where he was taken into custody without incident. Stevens was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center for the murder warrant. On April 26, 2024, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Stevens for murder. This investigation is ongoing, and no additional details are available. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Investigator Shaffer at 951–955–1700.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind citizens of the dangers of illicit narcotics, many of which may contain fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 100 times stronger than morphine and can cause death or serious bodily harm.
Source: Riverside County Sheriff Department
