Douglas County Sheriff: Suspect in Gardnerville area murders remains at large

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference Monday regarding two homicides that occurred within four days of each other in the Gardnerville area. Both murders were committed within a mile of each other in the Gardnerville Ranchos area and the suspect remains at large.

A high speed pursuit that occurred late Sunday evening is not believed to be connected to the homicides, said Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverley during the press conference. There is not a suspect description at this time, he said. Go here to watch the press conference, which began at 9 a.m.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office believes there is a connection between the cases due to the similarities in the way the suspect entered the homes, and the similarities between the victims, who were both women, the first in her 50s, the second in her 70s, both of whom lived alone or appeared to live alone, according to Sheriff Coverley.

He declined to say how the women were killed, noting it is part of the investigation. Items were found missing in the homes of both of the victims, said Sheriff Coverley.

The FBI out of the Reno office is assisting in the investigation, and the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office is helping on the cases. “We’ve been offered assistance from neighboring agencies which we greatly appreciate,” said Coverley.

He asked that community members remain vigilant and report anything they believe to be suspicious. The best way to get ahold of the Sheriff’s Office is to call 911, Coverley said.

Three school resource officers from the Douglas County School District started earlier and patrolled in the Ranchos where children are getting on buses, but there are no reasons to think that the schools are unsafe or are being targeted, according to the sheriff.

A $10,000 reward is being offered to any information that leads to the capture and prosecution of this suspect, and the reward may be increased by surrounding businesses. For any information, contact the Investigation Division at 782-9905. Douglas County Secret Witness can be reached at 775-78-CRIME (775-782-7463).

The first incident occurred on the night of Jan. 9 or the early morning hours of Jan. 10 on James Road. The victim, Connie Koontz, 56, lived with her mother, who found her daughter in the morning.

The second victim was found after a friend called the Sheriff’s Office when the victim failed to show up for their pre-planned activity. The victim is a 74-year-old female, Sophia Renken.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is asking that all residents remain vigilant, keep their doors and windows locked, do not open the doors for strangers, and call the Sheriff's Office with any suspicious activities or if they feel unsafe.

In Carson City, Sheriff Ken Furlong said CCSO is positioned to support Douglas County for whatever they need.

"We do have close contact with them, any services or support they need, routine or otherwise, we are positioned to help," said Furlong.

DCSO issued a news release shortly after 10 a.m. The release states the following:

Minden, Nevada- Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Press Conference was conducted on January 14, 2019 at 0900 hours.

On or about January 10, 2019 in the nighttime hours, an unknown suspect entered into a residence at 1439 James Road and killed Connie Koontz age 56. This case is classified as a homicide.

On or about January 13, 2019 in the nighttime hours, an unknown suspect entered into a residence located at 943 Dresslerville Road and killed Sophia Renken age 74. This case is also classified as a homicide investigation.

At this stage in these investigations we believe there is a strong possibility that the same suspect committed both crimes. Similarities in the way the suspect entered the homes, the age and gender of the victims, and the fact they lived alone, or appeared to live alone and they both occurred in the same general area are factors in this determination.

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

The Sheriff’s Office is asking you to be vigilant in locking all of your doors and windows and report any suspicious activity immediately. There are extra Deputies working in all areas of the Douglas County.

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).

We will update on the story as more information becomes available.