Humboldt County justified shooting DeLong
Humboldt County Sheriff's Office & MGN

The Humboldt County District Attorney's Office has determined a Humboldt County man was justified when he shot a suspect who shot at him when he discovered the man breaking into his cars on his property in October of 2024. 

The homeowner, Will DeLong, called 911 on October 6, 2024, at around 8:30 p.m., reporting a shooting that had occurred at his home on Jackson Creek Ranch Road in Humboldt County Nevada. 

Authorities say that in their investigation it was determined that Will Delong, the property owner, had been shot in the stomach by the suspect, later identified as Ravyn Fairchild, after he stole a gun from one of Delong's cars on the property, shooting DeLong when he was found breaking into cars. DeLong returned gunfire in self-defense, hitting and killing Fairchild, who died on the scene. 

The homeowner, Will DeLong, succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the shooting and died on November 13, 2024, while being treated at Renown Medical Center in Reno.

After an extensive and lengthy investigation conducted by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office through witness interviews and statements, as well as evidence collected, it was concluded that Ravyn Fairchild had been committing several felonies, and toxicology showed he was under the influence of drugs at the time of his death. 

Humboldt County Sheriff's in agreement with the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office concluded in their investigation that Will DeLong was justified in using force to defend his life and the lives of other people on the property. 

Officials say that had Ravyn Fairchild survived, he would have been charged with three counts of Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, Burglary of a Structure, Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, four counts of Grand Larceny of a Firearm, Possession of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance less than 14 grams, two counts of Assault with Use of a Deadly Weapon - Aggravated Assault, and Murder.

In a release, Sheriff Cardenas and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office extended their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Will DeLong, who tragically lost his life during this incident.