Washoe County Sheriff releases names of Reno homicide victims

RENO, Nev. - A Reno couple in their 80s have been identified as the victims in Wednesday's double homicide.

The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office today said 81-year-old Gerald David and his wife, Sharon David, age 80 were killed in their home. Next of kin have been notified.

Both victims died as a result of gunshot wounds, similar to the method used in the two recent Douglas County murders.

“We have established one more similarity between the La Guardia Lane investigation and the Douglas County homicides, however we are still unable to confirm an absolute connection,” Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims. As these cases develop, law enforcement will continue with our regional collaborative effort aimed at increasing the safety of the public while we work toward bringing those responsible for these crimes to justice.”

The regional collaboration includes the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, and the Nevada Department of Public Safety with assistance from federal agencies such as the FBI and U.S. Marshal’s Service.

Search and Rescue volunteers and K-9 units from the sheriff's office searched the I-580 corridor in Washoe Valley on Friday, looking for evidence related to the investigation.

Background

At approximately 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, the Sheriff’s Office was notified of suspicious circumstances at a residence on La Guardia Lane east of Valley Springs Road. Deputies arrived on scene, conducted a search of the house, and located two deceased adults within the residence.

Sheriff’s Office detectives are currently conducting the investigation. Anyone with information that could assist this investigation is asked to contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line: (775) 321-4911.

Once again, Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam reminds residents to always stay aware of their surroundings and be alert for suspicious activity. Sheriff Balaam urges residents to:

Keep doors and windows secure
Use outdoor lighting if available
Don’t open doors for strangers
Keep cellphones handy and charged
Report suspicious activity to law enforcement

A 24-hour hotline has been set up - 775.321.4911.

Additional information about this incident will be made available as progress continues on the investigation.