For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1900081 |
| Date Issued: | Aug 20, 2019 - 5:25pm |
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Sheriff's Office updates Sun Valley double homicide investigation |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate a double homicide that occurred early Sunday morning in Sun Valley.
The identity of the two decedents have been confirmed by the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner's Office. They are, Erik Garcia-Holstone age 18 of Sparks, and a 15-year-old juvenile. Both died as a result of gunshot wounds, according to the Regional Medical Examiner's Office.
At this time, detectives continue to gather information to identify a suspect, or suspects, in this shooting. Secret Witness is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect, or suspects, in this investigation.
Background:
At approximately 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 18, 2019, deputies responded to the area of Sidehill Drive just north of Quartz Lane on reports of a shooting outside a residence.
When deputies arrived, they located one shooting victim, later identified as the 15-year-old juvenile, at the scene. Deputies immediately began lifesaving measures until the juvenile was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The juvenile was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
A second victim, later identified as Garcia-Holstone, was taken by a private party to the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District station on Sun Valley Boulevard just south of Quartz Lane. He was also transported to a local hospital for treatment and pronounced deceased at the hospital.
A third victim, identified only as a male teenage juvenile, was also transported to a local hospital. He has since been treated and released.
According to investigators, there was at least one large gathering taking place in the area at the time of the shooting. As a result, detectives have been talking with numerous witnesses in an effort to gather information that will help determine the circumstances surrounding this incident and help identify a suspect or suspects.
Members of the Regional Gang Unit, which includes officers and deputies from the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, Washoe County School District Police Department, and the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, are assisting with this investigation although it is too early in the investigation to confirm whether this incident is gang related.
The Sheriff's Office has been operating increased patrols in the area since the shooting.
Anyone who can assist with this investigation is asked to contact the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detective Division at (775) 328-3320 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900. Refer to case #WC19-4335.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.