Similarities between Douglas County and Washoe County homicides

RENO, Nev. - Keeping the community safe is the number one priority of law enforcement working on four recent murders in Reno and Douglas County. This was the message from Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam during a press conference late Thursday afternoon.

Two elderly people, a man and a woman, were killed in a home in southwest Reno. Their bodies were discovered on January 16 after concerned neighbors called law enforcement after not seeing the residents. Their names and ages have not been released pending notification of next of kin.

These murders come just days after two women, ages 56 and 74, were killed in their homes in Gardnerville.

Sheriff Balaam said there were similarities with the Reno murder and those in Douglas County so they called in detectives working on those cases to assist with the two in Washoe County.

All four homicide victims were from the older population and there was no forced entry in any of the cases. A firearm was used in both Douglas County murders but Balaam said the murder weapon in the Reno murders has not been determined as they are awaiting confirmation from the medical examiner's office.

At the press conference were the sheriffs from Douglas County and Carson City, and members of the Reno and Sparks police departments.

Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverley said his department has not established personal links to two homicide victims in Gardnerville except that they lived within a mile of each other and there was no forced entry in the commitment of the crimes. He could not confirm if the weapons were similar in those cases as he didn't want to compromise the investigation.

Balaam said there are real and legitimate concerns of safety from all area communities. "We want to make sure the public knows we are working together to keep the community safe and bring those responsible to justice," said Balaam.

"If you see anything or know anything that can assist in the investigation, no matter how insignificant, contact us immediately," said Balaam.

Washoe County has set up a single point of contact for the homicides, a 24-hour-hotline - 775.321.4911. Calls will still be received via the Douglas County hotline at 775.783.6030 or Secret Witness at 775.78.CRIME (775.782.7463)

He asked for the community remain vigilant and gave ideas on how to do so:

- Watch out for other
- Keep in touch with family, loved ones and neighbors
- Stay alert
- Report anything that seems out of the normal to law enforcement
- Keep cell phones charged so you can call in an emergency
- Don’t let strangers in your home
- Keep outside lights on
- Report suspicious activity
- Keep doors and windows locked

Washoe County, and well as Douglas County are increasing patrols in neighborhoods. Balaam asked the community for patience in responding to calls or lesser importance and suggested people use online report forms instead of called law enforcement.

The sheriff promised to keep the public informed as soon as they have information to share.