Murder charges filed against Martinez-Guzman; Timeline of crimes revealed

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Murder suspect Wilbur Ernesto Martinez-Guzman will be tried jointly in Reno, Nevada by both the Douglas County and Washoe County district attorneys in what could be a landmark case.

During a joint press conference Monday, the DAs from both counties outlined their case against Martinez-Guzam for the murders of Connie Koontz, Sophia Renken, Gerald David and Sharon David.

An affidavit, criminal complaint and warrant for Martinez-Guzman’s arrest were all submitted to Reno Justice Court Monday just before the press conference.

In the filed documents, the story of Martinez-Guzman, who is in the country illegally from El Salvador, was a landscaper for the Davids at their South Reno home from April to July in 2018 and had been at the home 10-14 times.

He allegedly stole items from two of the murder victims days before the deaths in Washoe and Douglas Counties.

Douglas County District Attorney Mark Jackson outlined nine counts against the suspects, all detailed in an arrest warrant.

1, He burglarized outbuildings or barn at the David's home on January 3.
2. He returned Jan. 4 to further burglarize outbuildings and a trailer, and stole a gun.
3. He used a stolen .22 caliber gun to kill Connie Koontz on Jan. 9/10.
4. He burglarized Connie's house while in possession of a gun.
5. He used the stolen gun to shoot and kill Sophia Renken on Jan. 12/13.
6. He burglarized Sophia's residence while in possession of a gun.
7. He used the stolen gun on Jan. 15/16 to kill Sharon David.
8. He used the stolen gun on Jan. 15/16 to kill Gerald David.
9. He burglarized the David's home again while in possesion of gun.

There is nothing in the court documents to show the suspect was a landscaper for Koontz or Renken. The Davids had not filed a police report on their stolen property prior to their murders.

According to Monday's arrest warrant, Martinez-Guzman admitted to murdering four people in South Reno and Gardnerville using a handgun stolen from the Davids.

The suspect also stole an additional eleven guns from the David residence and buried them in Carson City wrapped in a tarp, according to previous charges filed in Carson City. Other items from the victims' homes were found in pawn shops prior to that arrest.

"One's status in a country has nothing to do with the case," said Washoe County DA Chris Hicks. "Bringing someone to justice for the crimes is our goal."

The counties have not revealed if they will be going for the death penalty, something they have 30 days to file. Other enhancements could also be added, including the age of the victims.

Carson City is currently holding Martinez-Guzman on 36 counts. Washoe and Douglas Counties are requesting he be transferred to Reno to answer their charges.

"This is the best course of action in seeking justice in this case," said Jackson.
"Wilber will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."