Tuolumne County District Attorney Cassandra Jenecke announced today that on August 1, 2025, Stacey Christ was sentenced to a total of 13 years in State Prison.
Richard “RJ” Bennett II was found deceased from acute fentanyl poisoning on the morning of October 10, 2024, After an over 10-week investigation conducted by Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Team (TNT), it was determined that Ms. Christ provided the fentanyl that caused RJ’s death despite Ms. Christ knowing of the inherent dangers of fentanyl. Ms. Christ pled guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter for RJ’s death and was sentenced to the maximum term of 11 years. This is the first conviction of its kind in Tuolumne County. Ms. Christ was also sentenced to an additional 2 years in State Prison for transporting fentanyl into our community for the purpose of sale from San Francisco on November 7, 2024.
At the sentencing, the gallery was filled with family and friends who are devastated by the loss of their son, brother, uncle, neighbor, and friend. Multiple photos of RJ were placed around the courtroom. Many family members gave statements to the Court about the positive impact RJ had on their life and the indescribable grief and loss they now had to live with. His niece poignantly stated “[Stacey Christ’s] actions have not only destroyed my family but have also left a lasting scar on our community. Justice for RJ Bennett is not just about punishing Stacey Christ; it is about sending a message that such reckless disregard for human life will not be tolerated. It is about honoring the memory of a man who dedicated his life to others and ensuring that his tragic and sudden death leads to meaningful change.”
The District Attorney’s Office, along with our law enforcement partners are committed to investigating and prosecuting these types of crimes. If you have any information regarding drug sales in our community, please contact the TNT tip line at (209) 533-5884.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Novelli and the family was supported by Victim Witness Advocate Hollie Brown.
