Wilbur Martinez-Guzman, 19-years-old, was arrested in Carson City, Nevada, on Saturday, January 19, as police believe he is the suspect responsible four recent murders in Nevada.
What Happened?
According to Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam, Martinez-Guzman — who is currently being held on possession of stolen property, burglary and immigration charges — is set to be charged with murder in the coming days after he was allegedly involved in the shooting deaths of four different people: an “elderly” couple in Reno and two women “who lived near the town of Gardnerville.”
The suspects have been identified as 56-year-old Connie Koontz, 74-year-old Sophia Renken, 81-year-old Jerry David, and his wife Sherri, 80.
Additionally, Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong said that federal immigration authorities confirmed that Martinez-Guzman has lived in Carson City illegally for “about a year.”
Police say that Martinez-Guzman, who is the only suspect, is being held without bail.
Connie Koontz, 56, was found dead inside her home in Gardnerville Ranchos on Jan. 10. On Jan. 13, Sophia Renken, 74, was found dead in her home about a mile away.
Jerry David, 81, and his wife Sherri, 80, were found in their South Reno home on La Guardia Lane on Jan. 16. Both died from gunshot wounds.
“We felt it was important for the public to know that we are confident we have the person responsible for the La Guardia Lane homicides as well as the homicides in Douglas County,” Washoe Sheriff Darin Balaam said at a press conference Sunday. “The information we have now indicates there are no outstanding suspects at this time, but the investigation is still ongoing.”
President Trump commented on Martinez-Guzman in a tweet on Monday, January 21, saying that “we need a powerful wall” as a result:
“Four people in Nevada viciously robbed and killed by an illegal immigrant who should not have been in our Country. 26 people killed on the Border in a drug and gang related fight. Two large Caravans from Honduras broke into Mexico and are headed our way. We need a powerful Wall!”
At this time, authorities said that the investigation remains active and it is too soon to comment on a possible motive.
Who Is Wilbur Martinez-Guzman?
19-year-old Wilbur Martinez-Guzman was arrested on Saturday, January 19, in Carson City, Nevada, as police believe he is responsible for the murder of four Nevada residents: 56-year-old Connie Koontz, 56, Sophia Renken, 74, Jerry David, 81, and his wife Sherri, 80.