Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Sun Valley Shooting Suspect for Homicide

On August 6, 2023, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 21-year-old Esteban Garcia as the suspect in the shooting death of 20-year-old Jennifer Beltran-Galassi.

On August 5, 2023, at approximately 09:28 am, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies responded to the 5300 block of Woods Drive in Sun Valley for a reported shooting.

When Deputies arrived on the scene, they found a female, later identified as Jennifer Beltran-Galassi, in a vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head.

Beltran-Galassi was transported by emergency medical personnel to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.  

Through an on-scene investigation, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies located Esteban Garcia at a nearby residence.  After a continued investigation by Washoe County Sheriff’s Office detectives, they identified Garcia as the suspect and took him into custody.

Washoe County Sheriff’s Office detectives have determined there are no outstanding suspects in this case. Garcia is being held in the Washoe County Detention Facility on multiple charges, including Open Murder and owning/possessing a firearm by a prohibited person.

On 7/27/23, Garcia was convicted of domestic battery (1^st) and abuse, neglect, or endangerment of a child out of the Sparks Justice Court. Garcia was sentenced to probation, and a no-contact order with Beltran-Galassi was issued. Investigators determined that Garcia and Beltran-Galassi had a domestic relationship and a minor child in common.

Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said, “On behalf of the members of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, we express our deepest condolences and wish Jennifer’s loved ones peace and courage while they endure this unimaginable loss.” 

Sheriff Balaam added, “A person should never fear for their physical safety at the hands of their partner. The members of the WCSO joined this profession to serve and protect our community; we will continue to work relentlessly toward reducing and preventing domestic violence incidents while providing recovery support to those who have been victims of domestic violence.”

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office reminds our community that domestic violence can happen to anyone, and you are not alone. 

If you or someone you know is in a violent domestic relationship, these community resources are available:

Crisis Support Services of Nevada: Call or text 988

Domestic Violence Resource Center: 775-329-4150

Safe Embrace – Family Violence Program & Shelter: 775-322-3466

Sierra Community House, Incline Village, 24-hour crisis line: 800-736-1060

Protection Order Help Center: 775-328-3127

If you are in an emergency, please call 911 immediately.

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.

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