Washoe, Douglas authorities look at whether south Reno deaths, Gardnerville murders are linked
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two suspicious deaths discovered Wednesday in a South Reno residence. Authorities from both Washoe and Douglas counties are also attempting to determine whether the Reno deaths and those of two Douglas County women are linked.
Bob Harmon, spokesperson of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office was asked if the Douglas County and Reno cases were connected, to which he replied, “We can’t confirm for sure, but we haven’t ruled it out yet,” according to a Reno Gazette Journal Article.
Two women were murdered in the span of four days only a mile apart last week in Douglas County within the Gardnerville Ranchos area. A press conference was held on Monday with little information released to the public.
Since that time, despite an increased police presence in Douglas County and help from the FBI, no additional information or leads have been announced.
The first victim was 56-year-old Connie Koontz, killed on Jan. 10, and the second victim was Sophia Renken, age 74, killed on Jan. 13, both killed in the nighttime hours.
No information about the Reno victims has been released yet. Here's the news release made available Wednesday night from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office:
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the suspicious deaths of two persons located inside a residence in the Zolezzi Lane area.
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 Detective Division at (775) 328-3320 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900. Refer to case number WC19-306.
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
Additional information about this incident will be made available pending the progress of the investigation. The identity of the victims will be confirmed by the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
This is a developing story and we will update when we receive new information.
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