One teenager is dead of stab wounds and another is facing a first-degree murder charge after an altercation broke out among a group of friends camping near Nederland early Wednesday, investigators say.

Spencer Crawford, 19, of Boulder, was booked into the Boulder County Jail on Wednesday morning on suspicion of first-degree murder, a Class 1 felony, in connection with the death, sheriff’s officials said.

The identity of the victim, described only as a 17-year-old male, has not yet been released by the Boulder County Coroner’s Office.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies and emergency personnel from the Nederland Fire Protection District and American Medical Response responded to the 5000 block of Ridge Road near Nederland at 3 a.m. Wednesday on the report of a stabbing.

Sheriff’s officials said the group of 11 people were friends from New Vista High School who decided to camp in the area overnight. The area in which they were camping is not a designated campground and is bordered by private residences.

Officials said two members of the group got into an altercation, and one was stabbed. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Drugs and alcohol are believed to have been involved, sheriff’s officials said.

Sheriff Joe Pelle said the death is being investigated as a homicide.

If the coroner agrees with Pelle and rules the cause of death a homicide, it would be the first one in the county in more than a year. No deaths were ruled homicides in all of 2012.

Investigators did not release Crawford’s mug shot. He is scheduled for his first appearance today at the Boulder County Jail.

Boulder County District Attorney Stan Garnett said investigators are still working on interviewing witnesses, so they are not releasing any further information.

Garnett said charges could be filed Monday.

Crawford is employed as a clerk at Lucky’s Market in north Boulder, according to Tim Overlie, the store’s director of operations.

“We’re shocked that this whole thing has happened, and our hearts go out to all those involved,” Overlie said.

Overlie could not say for certain how long Crawford had worked at the store and declined further comment.

Contact Camera Staff Writer Mitchell Byars at 303-473-1329 or byarsm@dailycamera.com.