The Clearlake community is mourning the tragic loss of Terry Harris and Desiree Fuentes, who were found deceased Sunday morning during a traffic stop, prompting a homicide investigation led by the California Highway Patrol.
The CHP’s Clear Lake Area office reported that at approximately 8:50 a.m. Sunday, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a gray Chevy Suburban on State Route 53 at Dam Road for a vehicle registration violation. The vehicle pulled over on 18th Avenue. While speaking with the driver, officers noticed fresh blood inside the front of the vehicle. Following the trail to the rear passenger area, officers discovered Harris and Fuentes unresponsive. Both were later confirmed deceased.
Authorities say the incident appears isolated, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The CHP requested assistance from its Northern Division Investigative Services Unit, which has taken primary investigative responsibility. Detectives are working alongside the Lake County District Attorney’s Office and the Clearlake Police Department as the investigation continues.
Harris and Fuentes were remembered by family and friends as kind, caring, and vibrant individuals who positively impacted those around them. Their sudden and untimely deaths have left loved ones and the wider Clearlake community heartbroken.
Clearlake Police Chief Tim Hobbs confirmed that the CHP took the lead on the investigation because the incident occurred outside city limits. Authorities have identified all parties involved and are continuing to gather evidence and speak with witnesses to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Community members with information are urged to contact Lt. Dan Fansler at the Clear Lake CHP Office at 707-281-5200.
Though Terry Harris and Desiree Fuentes’ lives were tragically cut short, their memory lives on through the family, friends, and community who cherished them. Their kindness, warmth, and the impact they had on those around them will not be forgotten.
