Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

PR #: 1600060
Date Issued: Jul 16, 2016 - 2:22pm

Update: Sheriff's Office investigators looking for information about three persons of interest related to death investigation of remains found in vehicle fire

CONTACT: Bob Harmon
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Office 775-785-6235
Cell 775-722-5517

Detectives with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office are asking the public for any information about the whereabouts and activities of three persons of interest related to an investigation of human remains found in a burnt vehicle off State Route 447 late Thursday night.

The persons of interest are identified as Shannon Miller, Shawn Miller and Corey Massengale. All three men are residents of the Silver Spring area of Lyon County.

As part of the ongoing investigation, Detectives would like to have information about the activities of these three men between July 13 and the present time. Investigators stress that any contact, interaction or observation may prove to be significant to their investigation.

The incident began shortly before midnight on Thursday, July 14, 2016. Units from the Pyramid Lake Tribal Fire and Police Departments responded to a vehicle fire just east of State Route 447, about 15 miles north of Nixon.

After the fire was extinguished, human remains were discovered in the vehicle. Because the vehicle was located within Washoe County's jurisdiction, Sheriff's Office Detectives were notified and are now conducting an investigation.

There was extensive damage caused by the fire but, with the invaluable assistance of the Sheriff's Office Forensic Science Division, investigators were able to trace the origin and ownership of the vehicle to Silver Springs.

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office is currently working with Washoe County Detectives on this investigation.

Volunteers from Washoe County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue dedicated numerous hours on Friday and Saturday to assist with an evidence search encompassing a large area near the initial fire scene.

Anyone with information that could 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.


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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