The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting in Sun Valley.
On April 4, 2026, at approximately 7:45 p.m., Washoe County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies responded to the 300 block of Brownlee Lane in Sun Valley for a reported shooting. Upon arrival, deputies located an adult male with a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Detectives responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation. During the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as Kenneth Messerli, 68, of Sun Valley. The suspect remained on scene and was determined to reside at the same residence as the victim.
Messerli was taken into custody and booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility on a charge of open murder with a deadly weapon.
The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting its formal death investigation and will release the identity of the victim following next of kin notification.
There is no ongoing threat to the public, and no outstanding suspects remain.
Anyone with information related to 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. Please reference case number WC26-1781.
