A second man arrested in connection with Anna Scott's death has pleaded not guilty and will go to trial in September.
On Monday, the FBI arrested Reno-Sparks Indian Colony member Joel Christy on multiple charges including aiding and abetting.
The first suspect in the case, Delshay Astor was arrested last month on a second-degree murder charge. He's pleaded not guilty and his trial is set to begin next week.
Scott was found shot to death inside a burning car along I-580 in 2022.
UPDATE - JULY 27, 2026:
A new arrest has been made in the homicide investigation into the death of Anna Scott, more than four years after she was found dead inside a burned car along Interstate 580.
The FBI, working with the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Police Department, arrested Reno-Sparks Indian Colony member Joel Christy on July 27 on federal charges of accessory after the fact and aiding and abetting. A federal indictment was obtained, and Christy was taken into custody without incident.
Scott, a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, was shot and killed. Investigators said her body was placed inside her car, which was then intentionally set on fire in an apparent attempt to conceal the crime.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies continuing to work together to identify and hold every person responsible for the crime accountable.
"I want to commend the outstanding work of the FBI, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, and all of our law enforcement partners for their continued dedication to this investigation," said RSIC Chief of Police Jarrod J. Nunes. "Today's arrest represents another significant step forward, but our work is not finished. We remain committed to ensuring that everyone involved is identified and brought to justice."
RSIC Chairman Daryl D. Gardipe said the community continues to support Scott’s family following her death.
"Our hearts remain with Anna Scott's family as they continue to endure the unimaginable pain of losing their loved one," said RSIC Chairman Daryl D. Gardipe. "This tragedy has also weighed heavily on the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony community. It is deeply alarming when members of our community are connected to acts of violence, and these events affect us all. We hope today's arrest brings Anna's family one step closer to the justice they deserve and provides a path toward healing for everyone affected by this tragedy."
The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony said in a release "Because this is an active federal criminal investigation, the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony will not be responding to media inquiries or providing additional comment beyond this release. All requests for information regarding the investigation should be directed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)."
UPDATE - JUNE 4, 2026:
More than four years after Anna Scott was found dead inside a burned car along Interstate 580, a Reno man has been indicted on a federal murder charge in the case.
Delshay Astor made his initial appearance Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Reno after a federal grand jury indicted him on one count of second degree murder in Scott's death. The indictment was issued on May 28.
Astor pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Some may have questions about why federal investigators are handling the case. It is due to the federal Major Crimes Act. You can find more information about the legislation at this link.
According to allegations in the indictment and statements made in court, Astor participated in Scott's murder on or about Feb. 2, 2022, on the Reno Sparks Indian Colony. Prosecutors allege Scott was shot and killed before her body was placed inside her car, which was then set on fire.
The next day, Feb. 3, 2022, Scott, 23, was found inside a burned car on southbound Interstate 580. The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner's Office later determined her death was a homicide and that she had been shot.
Scott was a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. She was also a daughter and mother.
The indictment marks a significant development in a case that remained unsolved for years as local, state and federal investigators continued to pursue leads.
"This indictment reflects my Office's continued commitment to ensure that no victim is left behind, no matter how much time has passed," said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. "It is my hope that our pursuit of justice and accountability for Anna's gruesome death will bring some comfort to Anna's family, friends and community."
"FBI Las Vegas has a strong, long-standing commitment to investigating violent crime on tribal lands alongside our law enforcement partners," said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. "We do not forget. We do not give up. And we will hold violent offenders accountable, no matter how long it takes."
Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said the case required years of investigative work by multiple agencies.
"While the arraignment of Mr. Astor on Wednesday does not bring Anna back, it serves as an important step in finally delivering justice to her family, friends, and community," Balaam said. "While this complex investigation took over four years, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office and our law enforcement partners did not forget, and we did not give up. Indicting Mr. Astor would not have been possible without the partnership of the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office, and the Washoe County Sheriff's Office remains committed to holding those responsible accountable in a court of law."
Following Wednesday's announcement, the Reno Sparks Indian Colony released a statement identifying Astor as an enrolled member of the tribe.
"Our hearts remain with Anna Marie's children, family, and loved ones who have endured years of uncertainty and loss," RSIC Chairman Daryl D. Gardipe said. "RSIC remains committed to supporting efforts that address the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives crisis and improve public safety throughout Tribal communities."
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Chairman Steven Wadsworth also issued a statement about the new developments in the case.
"We at the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe are pleased that after many years of silence and all hope seeming lost, that we have seen progress for this injustice. There is still a long road ahead as the wheels of justice continue," said Wadsworth. "We are grateful for the work that has transpired leading to this action, and thank those officers for their continued perseverance. On behalf of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, we pray that the family of Anna Scott can begin a long healing process. Your pain and suffering stretching back over 4 years has always weighed heavily across our community, and led to the continued efforts of never forgetting our missing and murdered loved ones."
If convicted, Astor faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal judge would determine any sentence after considering federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI and Washoe County Sheriff's Office investigated the case. The U.S. Marshals Service provided operational support. Assistant U.S. Attorney Penelope Brady is prosecuting the case.
Court documents state that a calendar call is set for July 14, and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on August 4.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE - JUNE 3, 2026:
Local, state and federal authorities are scheduled to provide an update Wednesday afternoon regarding a longstanding Washoe County homicide investigation.
Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam, FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Delzotto and First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah are expected to speak during a press conference at 4:30 p.m.
Few details have been released ahead of the briefing, but officials said the update involves a longstanding homicide investigation handled by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.
Because of the status of the case, the press conference will consist of prepared remarks only, and questions will not be taken.
Our crew will be at the news conference and will stream the event live as it happens. This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.
