Important Notification
Public Lobby Closure
WCSO Records, Permits and Field Services will be closing from January 17th and will reopen at 911 Parr Blvd in the newly remodeled public lobby starting January 31st. Civil Services will bein January 24th by appointment only. See specific services on website for additional information.
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Washoe County Sheriff's Office
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detective Division frequently reviews cases of previously unsolved homicides committed within the jurisdiction of the Sheriff's Office. The Cold Cases on this page are unsolved homicides for which investigative leads have dwindled or otherwise gone "cold." The emergence of new technologies allows the possibilities of bringing closure to formerly unsolved cases in which tips may have been previously exhausted and suspects have not been arrested. We welcome and encourage tips from the public to assist in these investigations.
If you have information on an unsolved homicide case, please contact our Detective Division at 775-328-3320. Information may also be provided by clicking on the case "Submit Tip" button below.
Case#: WC09-7030
Victim: John
Location: Duck Lake, North of Gerlach
Date of Occurrence: June 30, 2009
On June 30, 2009 a rancher reported finding human remains in a field at the Duck Lake Ranch, which is north of Gerlach on highway 447. The remains included a partial skull, which was determined to be human and male. The skull is not an artifact and the case is being investigated as a homicide.
Case# WC06-4413
Victim: Omar Martinez aka Omar Chinchilla
Location: 5430 Sun Valley Blvd-Scolari's Lot
Date of Occurrence: April 21, 2006
On April 21, 2006 Omar was shot to death in the parking lot of Scolari's in Sun Valley. The shooting occurred as he and a female associate sat in their car. The gunman fled around the rear of the Scolari's and was never found.
Omar was known to live in Sparks and had connections to Los Angeles
Case#: 06-3486
Victim: Albert and Joan Musalo
Location: Montreux
Date of Occurrence: March 27, 2006
On March 27, 2006 Albert and Joan Musalo, both in their 70's, were murdered in their home located in Montreux, a gated community south of Reno, Nevada, located off the Mount Rose Highway (SR 431).
Al and Joan had been married 53 years. Their tragic deaths left behind children and grandchildren who would like your assistance in solving the murder.
The family is offering a $35,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible.
Washoe County Sheriff's Office is investigating the murder and Detectives are requesting information pertaining to the Musalos. Any and all information about the couple could help solve this case.
Case#: 03-108827
Victim: Tammy Brown
Location: Thomas Creek Canyon
Date of Occurrence: Sept. 23, 2003
On September 23, 2003 Tammy Brown, age 36, was discovered lying next to the roadway in Thomas Creek Canyon, south of Reno, Nevada.
Tammy had lived with her boyfriend at 306 East Fourth Street in Reno. She was reportedly last seen walking down Fourth Street, carrying a suit case. She was last seen alive on September 22, 2003.
This agency is actively seeking anyone who may have knowledge about this case.
Victim: Charlene Stinson
Location: Mogul
Date of Occurrence: July 25, 2003
On July 25, 2003 the decomposing remains of a black female adult were discovered on a dirt frontage road in Mogul, Nevada, which is located west of Reno, Nevada. The road, which runs along the south side of Interstate 80, is access for several residences and a storage facility. The victim in this case who had remained an unidentified Jane Doe has now been identified.
**Positively identified as Charlene Stinson from Oakland, CA**
Victim: Luis "Carlos" Mireles-Quezada
Location: Mount Rose Highway
On March 08, 2003, a person snowshoeing discovered the remains of a hispanic male now identified as Luis "Carlos" Mireles-Quezada, known as "Guero" to his friends. The victim was discovered in a frozen state in the snow near mile marker 9 off the Mount Rose Highway. The victims body was discovered off the roadway, approximately 1/4 mile up-hill from a turnout, which is located just below the Mount Rose Summit on the Reno side.
The 29 year old victim, who was a concrete worker, was last heard from in early January 2003.
The victim was found fully clothed wearing a green jacket, dark blue V-neck pull over short sleeve, blue jeans and red and white Nike "Air" tennis shoes.
The details of his death are being investigated and this office is seeking any information regarding the victim and his whereabouts prior to January 2003.
Case#: 129307-97
Victim: Jane Doe
Location: Hoge Road, Reno
Date of Occurrence: June 9, 1997
On June 9, 1997 chiildren playing near Hoge Road, North of Reno, Nevada, discovered the decomposed remains of a white female. The body had been buried in a rock pile. Her cause of death was not determined.
The female was wearing a black long sleeved jacket, western style multi-colored shirt, camel cigarette T-shirt, blue jeans "Braxton" size 10, white socks and grey tennis shoes. She also had an Elgin watch, a white metal necklace with metal whistle attached, yellow and copper bracelet, dream catcher earring, black bolo tie with arrowhead stone, white metal ring with heart shape and white metal ring with red stone.
The victim had a metal plate in her jaw, from a surgical intervention.
Victim: Tina Huston
Location: Gem Trailer Park
Date of Occurrence: October 30, 1995
On October 30, 1995, the body of Tina Huston, age 34, was found in her mobile home at the Blue Gem Trailer Park on Pyramid Highway. She had been brutally murdered.
The victim was described as being petite at 5'1" tall and weighing 96 LBS.
Case#: 1594-94
Victim: Charles and Nona Rauer
Location: Incline Village
Date of Occurrence: December 04, 1994
On December 04, 1994, the bodies of Charles and Nona Rauer were found in their Incline Village home. They were last known to be alive on November 30, 1994. The elderly couple lived alone.
Victim: Eduardo Santana
Location: Ameri-Gas Parking Lot
On October 15, 1991, 27 year old Eduardo Santana was found dead in the parking lot of Ameri-Gas on North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada. His car was on the scene and he was in possession of money and illegal drugs. He was last seen the prior day on October 14, 1991.
Victim: Ricardo Martinez
Location: Incline Golf Course
On July 20, 1991, Groundskeeper Ricardo Martinez was found dead at the 9th Tee of the Incline Golf Course. Martinez, age 58, was in possession of large amount of cash at the time of his murder and was planning a trip home to Guatemala.
Victim: John Doe
Location: Yukon Drive and Dolores Drive
On June 11, 1991, the decomposed remains of an unknown white male were found under a mattress along the dirt extension of Yukon Drive and Dolores Drive, which connected Sun Valley and Spanish Springs at the time. The area had been used for illegal dumping.
No cause of death was determined, however the body and scene indicate the man did not walk there and cover himself with the mattress prior to his death. He was estimated to have been 40-50 years of age, 5'10" tall, full dentures, wearing brown cords, white t-shirt and was bare foot.
This agency is actively seeking anyone who may have knowledge about this case and we encourage that caller to come forward now.
Victim: Ursual Rodewald
Location: Pyramid Highway
On June 08, 1991, Ursual Rodewald, age 27,was riding with a friend in a convertible car along the Pyramid Highway near Axe Handle Road. Her Friend noticed her slump over in the seat and saw blood. The victim was rushed to the hospital, however she died. Autopsy showed the victim had been shot.
Years later a man telephoned the case detective and said he may have shot this woman on accident. When pressed about the details and asked to meet personally with the detective, the man disconnected and never called back. Anyone believing they may know this person should contact this office.
Case#: L88-0225
Victim: Loys Flournoy
Location: Mustang
On December 08, 1988, 64 year old cab driver Loys Flournoy was found along a roadway near Mustang, Nevada, East of Reno, Nevada. His empty taxi cab was found parked by the Western Village in Sparks, Nevada.
The victim had picked up a fare at the Circus-Circus Casino in Reno and had been directed to the Mustang Ranch Brothel east of Reno prior to his murder.
Case#: F86-0339
Victim: Phillip Pickerill
Location: Dirt Extension of Toll Road
On June 14, 1986, Phillip Pickerill, age 32, was found on the dirt extension of Toll Road, South of Reno, Nevada. The victim had been partially buried and was found after rains unearthed his remains.
The victim had flown to Reno and was celebrating his birthday. He was last seen alive after picking up a money wire at the Western Union offices on Sierra Street in Reno, Nevada, on March 21, 1986.
Case#: B85-0518
Victim: Sandra Whitlock
Location: Truckee River
Date of Occurrence: February 23, 1985
On February 23, 1985, 29 year old Sandra Whitlock was found in the Truckee River, near Painted Rock. This is an area east of Reno along Interstate 80.
She had been reported missing to the Reno Police Department after last being seen January 16, 1985.
Case#: G82-0433
Victim: Jane Doe-White Adult Female
Location: Sheeps Flat
On July 17, 1982, a white female was found dead in the Sheeps Flat area of Mount Rose. This is the area commonly referred to as the Meadows, just over the Mount Rose Summit as you drop into the Tahoe Basin. It is a forested area in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The victim had not been there long and was clothed. She wore a bathing suit under her clothing. She also wore a blue top, blue jeans, and yellow tennis shoes. There was no identification and her identity is still unknown.
The victim is believed to be of European decent based upon an inoculation scar and unique dental work. Although many leads have been pursued, her identity and whereabouts prior to her death are still a mystery.
Case#: A81-0601
Victim: Cindy Cook
Location: Cold Springs
Date of Occurrence: January 25, 1981
On January 25, 1981, 16 year old Cindy Cook was found dead near the intersection of Cold Springs Drive and current day Village Parkway, in the Cold Springs Valley, North of Reno, Nevada. She was a short distance from the roadway in the sagebrush.
The victim had last been seen hitch hiking from her home in Lemmon Valley en route to an arcade in the Lemmon Valley shopping center, on January 24, 1981. Cindy's purse was located later some distance away from where her body had been found.
Victim: Karin Santos-Coy
Location: Red Rock Road
On July 10, 1980, hikers discovered the decomposing body of Karin Santos-Coy, age 19, along Red Rock Road, north of Reno, Nevada. She had been reported missing to the Reno Police Department after disappearing on June 28, 1980. Santos-Coy was last known to be at the Reno Rodeo attending the performances. She was left nude along a dirt road.
Santos-Coy was seen talking with 2 white males at the Rodeo.
One was described as having medium length curly blonde hair, barefoot, with casual clothing, about 5'10" tall and 130 pounds, age estimated to be 20-21.
The second was described as having short brown hair, 5'10" tall and 180 pounds. This subject also had no shoes on and was dressed in a t-shirt and pants, age estimated to be 28-30.
Victim: Claude Rezzani
Location: Wadsworth
On Jabuary 11, 1980, Clause Rezzani, age 87, was working at the store he owned in Wadsworth, Nevada, Along Interstate 80, East of Reno. Two suspects entered the store and robbed Mr. Rezzani at gunpoint, forcing him to the ground. He later died of complications from the injuries sustained during the robbery.
The suspects were described as a white male, age 22=23, 5'9" tall and 160 pounds, whith short dark hair. The other suspect is not described. The weapon was described as a large calibur blue steel handgun.
Victim: Michael Whitten
On December 01, 1979, 26 year old Michael Whitten was found dead off the Mount Rose Highway, South of Reno, Nevada. The victim was reported to be a transient and the crime scene was about 400 yards from Helen Duffner who had been found shot to death two years ealier.
Case#: K79-0041
Victim: Jeannie Smith
Location: Lemmon Valley
Date of Occurrence: November 02, 1979
On November 02, 1979 the skeletal remains of Jeannie Smith, age 17, were found in Lemmon Valley, Nevada,North of Reno. She died as a result of blunt force trauma. Her remains were found in a shallow grave about 1 mile from where Julia Woodward had been discovered in March of the same year.
Smith was last seen on October 28, 1978, att he Circus-Circus Hotel in Reno, Nevada. She had been a reported missing person from Reno Police.
Case#: I79-0397
Victim: Daniel Carpenter
Location: Pleasant Valley
Date of Occurrence: September 14, 1979
On September 14, 1979, Daniel Carpenter, age 38, was found in his Pleasant Valley home on Carriage Drive. Narcotics and paraphernalia were found in the home.
A witness reported seeing a man at the home during the time of the murder.
Mr. Carpenter lived with his common-law wife at the home.
Victim: Sherry Harbeke
Location: Behind Black Springs Bar
On June 05, 1979, Sherry Harbeke, age 20, was found severly depcomposed under a mattress behind the Black Springs Bar along North Virginia Street in North Reno, Nevada.
She had been reported missing to the Reno Police Department and was last seen April 09,1979. She had lived at the nearby Skyline Mobile Park and her car was located along North Virginia Street between where her body was found and where she lived.
Case#: D79-0667
Victim: Janie Brown
Location: Mira Loma
On April 23, 1979, the skeletonized remains of Janie Brown, age 41, were discovered off Mira Loma road, south of Reno, Nevada. The body was located in a ravine about 10 miles south of Reno.
The victim had been visiting from Pittsburg, California, and was last seen on May 22, 1978, at the coffee shop inside the Holiday Casino in Reno.
Due to the state of her remains, no cause of death could be determined.
Case#: C79-0668
Victim: Julia Woodward
Location: Hills near Lemmon Valley
On March 25, 1979, body of 20 year old Julia Woodward was discovered in the hills near Lemmon Valley, Nevada, North of Reno.
The victim had been en route from the San Francisco airport to seek employment in the South Lake Tahoe area.
Case#: J78-0756
Victim: William Leone
Location: Clearacre and Whitfield
On October 31, 1978, 29 year-old William Leone was found deceased in a drainage culvert at Clearacre and Whitfield streets in Reno, Nevada.
The victim had lived on nearby McCloud Street.
Victim: Robert Ridley
Location: Pyramid Lake Highway
On Sept. 18, 1978, the nude body of Robert Ridley, age 33, was found near a guard rail next to the Pyramid Lake highway north of Sparks, Nevada.
Ridley was American Indian.
Victim: Helen Duffner
On April 27, 1977, the body of Helen Duffner was found near her car off the Mount Rose Highway, south of Reno, Nevada. The victim had been living out of her car, a 1964 white Chevy Nova, parked nearby.
At the time, the area was referred to as Mercury Mines.
Case#: I75-403
Victim: Joanna Robinson
Location: Derby Dam
On September 21, 1975, the remains of 23 year old Joanna Robinson were discovered in a shallow grave. Her remains were nearby Derby Dam, an exit along Interstate 80 east of Reno, Nevada.
Her cause of death could not be determined, however based upon the circumstances and the fact she was last seen in Oregon on or about August 09, 1975, the case is being investigated as a homicide.
Case#: 64562
Victim: Gloria Crummett
On July 26, 1971, the body of Gloria Crummett, age 16, was discovered north of Lemmon Valley, in a remote area north of Reno, Nevada.
She had last been seen and reported missing on July 16, 1971.
Victim: Zona Stroud
Location: Geiger Grade
Date of Occurrence: April 3, 1960
On April 3, 1960, the body of Zona Stroud was found North of Geiger Grade off Sand Pit Road to canyon dead-end. She was found fully clothed under a tree. This case represents the oldest unsolved homicide in Washoe County records.
Location: 911 Parr Blvd, Reno, NV 89512
Email: sheriffweb@washoecounty.us