A man from Missoula, Montana, has been sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in a murder-for-hire conspiracy, killing a witness, stalking that resulted in death, and multiple firearm and drug charges. United States District Judge Miranda Du issued the sentence following Cory Spurlock’s conviction on several counts related to the deaths of two people and illegal marijuana trafficking.
“There were no bounds on the defendant’s cruel and violent actions,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “There is no parole in the federal system. The defendant will never walk outside of the prison walls. I want to thank our federal and local partners for relentlessly pursuing this case and ensuring justice for the families and community.”
Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Division commented on the severity of the crimes: “This was a horrific act of targeted violence. Spurlock’s callous and blatant disregard for human life was unconscionable. The FBI will never stop pursuing those who threaten our communities’ safety. Thanks to the tireless work of our FBI personnel in the Reno Resident Agency and our committed law enforcement partners, Spurlock was located, prosecuted, and will not harm another person in our community again.”
Court documents presented during a four-week jury trial showed that Spurlock operated an illegal marijuana distribution business based in Mound House, Nevada. In June 2020, Jered Stefansky disappeared after traveling from Redding to Mound House to collect cash connected to a marijuana transaction. Investigators determined that Stefansky’s last phone call was made to a number linked to Spurlock.
Stefansky’s mother continued searching for her son and appeared on a podcast discussing his disappearance as well as individuals involved with him in marijuana activities, including Will Larsen and Spurlock. Testimony indicated that after hearing this podcast, Spurlock believed Larsen had become an informant. He then promised payment to a co-conspirator for help killing Larsen.
In November 2020, Spurlock traveled with two others through Nevada and California while stalking Larsen and his wife Yesenia Arriaga Larsen. On November 8, 2020, both Larsens were killed near Bridgeport, California; their bodies were left by US Highway 395. Spurlock also robbed Will Larsen during this incident. In March 2021, Stefansky’s remains were found at Rye Patch Recreation Area in Pershing County.
Anthony Chrysanthis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division stated: “This case exposed the ruthless nature of a drug criminal, whose streak of violence could not be quelled. Cory Spurlock, while running an illegal, large-scale marijuana distribution business, stopped at nothing to trample rivals or perceived threats. Today’s sentencing stops him from further terrorizing our neighborhoods. DEA is in lockstep with local and federal partners, who remain committed to safeguarding our communities from the type of violence ushered in by drug criminals.”
Special Agent in Charge John Wester from ATF’s San Francisco Field Division added: “The violent actions conducted in this case are heinous. Public safety is at the forefront of ATF’s mission. This sentencing marks a victory for justice and sends a clear warning to those who seek to orchestrate violence within our communities that their conduct will not be tolerated. Partnerships are the backbone of law enforcement. ATF will continue to work alongside our prosecutorial and law enforcement partners to ensure crimes of this nature are investigated and brought to justice.”
Spurlock was convicted at trial in September 2025 on charges including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 1000 kilograms of marijuana; murder-for-hire conspiracy; tampering with a witness by killing; two counts of stalking resulting in death; interference with commerce by robbery; and causing death through use of a firearm during a crime of violence.
The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney Chattah along with officials from FBI Las Vegas Division, DEA Los Angeles Field Division, and ATF San Francisco Field Division.
The investigation involved multiple agencies: FBI Las Vegas Division; Mono County Sheriff’s Office; DEA; ATF; Lyon County Sheriff’s Office; Carson City Sheriff’s Office; Pershing County Sheriff’s Office; with assistance from Salt Lake City FBI Office-Missoula Resident Agency. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Rachow, Penelope Brady, and Andrew Keenan prosecuted the case.
