Update by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
October 11, 2022
Rylen Quinn Svane-Morris has been arrested in Santa Cruz, California for the October 8, 2022, murder of 72-year-old Terry Wilson. 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 was also recovered by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and will be released to the owner.
Request for Public Assistance – Homicide Suspect Identity and Possible Associated Vehicle Description
Sheriff’s detectives are investigating a homicide in the Santa Ynez area. On Saturday, October 8, 2022, 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. The suspect, 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 are releasing 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. 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.
Several hours after the murder, 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. Based on the proximity, detectives believe Svane-Morris stole the Chrysler minivan after committing the murder. The Chrysler minivan pictured is similar to the stolen vehicle and not the actual stolen vehicle.
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.
Update by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
October 10, 2022
Coroner’s Bureau is releasing the identity of the victim in this case: 72-year-old Terry Wilson of Santa Ynez.
