Nevada police arrest man in connection with four homicides
Authorities in Nevada have arrested a suspect in connection with four recent homicides, including a beloved Reno couple, law enforcement said Sunday.
Wilbur Martinez-Guzman, 20, is being held at the Carson City detention center on charges related to burglary and possession of stolen property. He is also being held because of his immigration status, Carson City Sheriff Kenny Furlong said.
Washoe Sheriff Darin Balaam said murder charges should be following soon.
“We are confident we have the evidence that will link him to all four homicides," said Balaam.
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A tip was made that led police to watch Martinez-Guzman, police said. Police also said he is the only suspect.
The string of murders that shook Northern Nevada started on Jan. 10 in Gardnerville, a small town south of Reno.
Connie Koontz, 56, was murdered inside her home on James Road in Gardnerville Ranchos on Jan. 9 or 10. Several days later Sophia Renken, 74, was killed in her home on Dresslerville Road.
On Wednesday, Jerry David, 81, and his wife Sherri, 80, were found in their home around 4 p.m. Both died from gunshot wounds.
Jerry David was president of the Reno Rodeo in 2006 and Sherri David, was a Rodeo Association member. A family member of Jerry and Sherri Davis said the Reno Elks Club and Reno Rodeo will have public services.
Police said the firearm and the age of the victims are similarities to the ongoing homicide investigations in Douglas County.
Carson City Sheriff’s deputies were still searching a home associated with Martinez-Guzman Sunday afternoon.
Several neighbors described seeing law enforcement officers swarm the home Saturday night. Many described seeing armed SWAT members at the home.
"I was at the grocery store, and when I came home, I saw all the patrol vehicles,” said 35-year-old Rosa Abundis in Spanish. “I thought it couldn’t be (patrol vehicles).”
Abundis was one of a handful of neighbors who witnessed the search. Several neighbors described seeing a woman and three children, one of which was a toddler, come out of the home.
She was talking to the deputies, Abundis said.
Abundis said the woman’s niece is friends with her 18-year-old daughter. The two teenagers were at Abundis’ home at that time.
Furlong said Martinez-Guzman was pulled over by deputies for an immigration issue Saturday night.
"It was a tactical arrest," Furlong said. He said that means it was a felony-type of arrest related to immigration.
He said during the arrest, the police car and the suspect's car collided in the parking lot at the Carson Mall.
Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverley said he hopes the region should find some solace now that the only suspect is in custody.
“We’ve worked hard to bring some peace to you,” Coverley said.
Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks said more details about Martinez-Guzman and the investigation will be made public soon.
"We need to embrace the family members," Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hick said.
Law enforcement did not say which venue — either Washoe or Douglas counties — Martinez would first appear.
The suspect was not known to the Carson City Sheriff's Office said Balaam.
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This article originally appeared on Reno Gazette Journal: Nevada police arrest man in connection with four homicides
