Staff Report
Rylen Quinn Svane-Morris, 26, of Lancaster, has been arrested in Santa Cruz for the Oct. 8 murder of 72-year-old Terry Wilson in Santa Ynez.
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, acting on a tip, contacted the suspect earlier today and arrested him without incident for the outstanding warrant.
Svane-Morris will be booked at the Northern Branch Jail for his no-bail homicide warrant as well as possible additional charges. The stolen vehicle that he was believed to be associated with, blue 2014 Chrysler Town & Country minivan, was also recovered by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and will be released to the owner.
Sheriff’s detectives have been investigating the homicide since Oct. 8, when at approximately 3:56 a.m., deputies responded to the 1000 block of Jason Way in Santa Ynez for an unknown type of emergency. When deputies arrived, they found an adult male victim, later identified as Wilson. Svane-Morris, who fled prior to deputies’ arrival, was identified, and deputies began searching the area. Fire and medics responded to treat the victim, who was beyond life-saving measures and was declared deceased at the scene.
Sheriff’s detectives released the identity of the suspect, along with a recent booking photo, a possible vehicle description, and a request for public assistance if they spot either.
This investigation remains active, and updates will be shared as they become available.
It was discovered that a vehicle, a blue 2014 Chrysler Town & Country minivan with California license plate 7GJW053, was stolen from a residence in the area where the murder occurred.
Detectives have identified the suspect as 26-year-old Rylen Quinn Svane-Morris from Lancaster. He is described as a white male, 5’11” tall, 190 pounds, with light brown hair, and blue eyes.
The suspect should be considered dangerous, and we are asking anyone who sees the suspect or the vehicle to immediately call 911 and do not approach or attempt to contact.
This investigation remains active, and updates will be shared as they become available. Identities of the other involved parties are not yet available for release.
