Law enforcement continues search for murder suspect(s) in Douglas County

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The investigation into the murder of two Gardnerville, Nevada women continues and Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverley urges the community to remain vigilant and to pay attention in their neighborhoods.

During the evening of January 9-10, 56-year-old Connie Koontz was murdered in her home on James Road and sometime in the overnight hours of January 12-13, 74-year-old Sophia Renken was also murdered in her home.

There are similarities in the case according to Coverley including the fact the women lived in the same general area of Gardnerville, same method of entry to the homes and both were single, older women. Renken lived alone. Koontz shared the home with her elderly mother but to an observer it may have appeared she too lived alone.

Entry to both homes did not appear to be forced.

Koontz's body was discovered on the morning of January 10 by her mother. Friends of Renken found her Sunday after she did not show up for a pre-arranged activity, Coverley said.

There are many details that were not disclosed due to the nature of the active investigation into these homicides.

"There is a strong possibility that same suspect committed both murders," said Coverley.

A high-speed chase through Douglas County on Sunday night appears to not be related to the murders. Coverley said that incident started on the reservation as a warrant was being served.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Reno office is involved in assisting the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) and other agencies have offered their assistance. Items removed from the scenes are being processed at this time.

Details of each murder are not being released as well as other facts as they don't want to hamper the investigation.

"There doesn't appear to be any rhyme or reason to the murders," said Coverley. He urged residents to lock windows, doors and cars, check on neighbors who live alone, and watch for things happening in their neighborhood that don't seem normal.

Hundreds of tips have been received and DCSO urges others to call in. The tip line is the DCSO Investigation office at 775-782-9905. For those that see something that needs immediate response, call 911.

"Our main priority is safety and security of the residents of Douglas County," said Coverley. "We have significantly increased patrols, brought in additional resources (FBI) and Safe Street task forces."

The Sheriff said the women did not appear to know each other. Koontz worked at Walmart and at one time lived in South Lake Tahoe.

At nearby schools, patrols were increased by the School Resource Officers (SROs) but Coverley said they have no reason to think schools are targeted and it is just precautionary.

A reward is being offered to anyone with information identifying this subject. Your identity is not needed and you will remain anonymous. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to call DCSO Dispatch at (775) 782-5126 or Douglas County Secret Witness at: 775-78-CRIME (775-782-7463) as well as the numbers listed above.