NOVEMBER 14: 

The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office reports that the final three co-defendants in the May vandalism at Reno High School, Reagan Jaksick, Isabella Russell, and Brady Smith, have pleaded guilty.

Unlike the other co-defendants, who are scheduled to be sentenced on December 15, the court has asked the groups to coordinate the sentencing for these three via email, so a date has not yet been set.

This marks the latest development in a case that has spanned nearly six months and involved multiple defendants, extensive property damage, and widespread community attention.

This continues to be a developing story, and updates will be provided as information becomes available. 

OCTOBER 28: 

Another person accused of vandalizing Reno High School earlier this year has pleaded guilty. 

Aral Unlu is now set to be sentenced in December along with some of the other suspects who have already pleaded guilty.

Unlu was accused of lighting a tire on fire and rolling it toward people during the vandalism in May. 

That's when investigators say a group broke into Reno High School overnight -- causing $6,000+ in damage. 

OCTOBER 13, 2925

Three of the suspects accused in the May vandalism of Reno High School have pleaded guilty.

That group is now set to be sentenced in December.

Four other suspects in the case also appeared in court on Monday.

They discussed some of the terms if they were to plead guilty, including community service, restitution, and not being allowed on school district grounds.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2925

A suspect accused of being involved in vandalism at Reno High School appeared in court on Thursday.

A judge ordered Wylder May be released from jail after he was taken into custody earlier this week.

As a condition of his release he'll have to avoid alcohol, marijuana and any controlled substances, and submit to random drug tests.

He was in court earlier this week along with six other defendants and entered a plea of not guilty.

As we've reported investigators say May and others broke into Reno High School overnight at the end of the last school year.

May will next appear in court on October 13th for a status hearing. 

SEPTEMBER 15, 2925

Seven defendants who have been charged in the vandalism of Reno High School in May appeared in court on Monday.

One of the defendants, Wylder May, pleaded not guilty to their charges.

He was kept in custody until Thursday after testing positive for cocaine, according to a court document obtained by 2 News Nevada.

The other defendants in the case will next be in court on October 13 at 11 a.m. for a mandatory status conference and to possibly enter pleas, according to a spokesperson for the Washoe County District Attorney's Office.

JULY 28, 2025

Four suspects charged in the May vandalism of Reno High School appeared in court on Monday.

Some of the suspects were in court for status hearings, while some entered pleas, according to sources from the courtroom.

The suspects appearing in court on Monday included Brady Smith, Isabella Russell, Wylder May, and Reagan Jaksick.

So far, all suspects who have entered pleas have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The Washoe County District Attorney's Office also filed an updated indictment in the case on Monday.

It includes seven names instead of eight, and comes days after the D.A. and Washoe County School District Police Chief Seana Baker revealed in a joint statement that one of the suspects who was charged as an adult was a juvenile at the time of the crime.

JULY 25, 2025

The Washoe County District Attorney's Office has released a statement saying they mistakenly charged a minor as an adult in a case involving vandalism at Reno High School.

In a joint statement with Washoe County School District Police Chief Seana Baker, the D.A.'s Office said one of the alleged perpetrators of the vandalism was actually 17 the day it happened, turning 18 the day after.

"We are taking immediate steps to correct the record and transfer the matter accordingly," they said in the statement.

The person in question will have their case moved to the Juvenile Court. 

JULY 17, 2025

Six of the eight people indicted for vandalism at Reno High School appeared in court on Thursday.

Three of the six people, including Devyn Maaka, Owen Shuff, and Aral Unlu, entered not guilty pleas.

Meanwhile, Reagan Jacksick, Isabella Russell, and Brady Smith had their arraignments continued to Monday, July 28, as defense counsel argued they needed more time to review the grand jury transcript. 

July 28 is the same day that the remaining two people indicted, Korbin Depaepe and Wylder May, will be arraigned.

JULY 14, 2025

Eight suspects charged in connection with vandalism at Reno High School this past May are all expected to appear in court together this Thursday. 

Korbin Depaepe, Reagan Jacksick, Devyn Maaka, Wylder May, Isabella Russell, Owen Shuff, Brady Smith, Aral Unlu are all expected to be formally charged in Second Judicial District Court early Thursday afternoon. 

Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks encourages the suspects to turn themselves in last Friday or face an arrest warrant. 

During the same press conference, Hicks announced that a total of 27 people were identified in the vandalism case, but some are minors while others will be cited. The above named eight suspects were indicted by a grand jury. 

JULY 11, 2025

Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks on Friday announced that they have identified a total of 27 people in the recent Reno High vandalism case. 

The district attorney’s office was joined by with Washoe County School District and WCSD police to discuss the May 22nd incident. 

DA Hicks announced that the investigation was completed on June 30 totaling 100 pages, 30 hours of video and 27 suspect interviews.

Of the 27, eight people were indicted by a grand jury (you can read the document below).

  • Korbin Depaepe
  • Reagan Jacksick
  • Devyn Maaka
  • Wylder May
  • Isabella Russell
  • Owen Shuff
  • Brady Smith
  • Aral Unlu

Most of the people were charged with one or multiple counts of obstruction to property for educational purposes. Unlu was charged with one count of willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. This is because he is accused of lighting a tire on fire and rolling towards people. Hicks says they did not have enough sufficient evidence to charge arson.

Hicks wants those suspects to turn themselves in with an arraignment to be scheduled later. Suspects are encouraged to turn themselves in or make arrangements to do so with the Washoe County School Police by 5 p.m. on Friday – if they can't meet that deadline, they are asked to turn themselves into the Washoe County Jail sometime this weekend. If they don't do that, then a warrant will be issued for an arrest.

Hicks says the grand jury proceedings are confidential and couldn't discuss evidence in the proceedings, but in the next 10 days the transcripts will be public record. The DA says they went the grand jury route because Hicks says it benefits the prosecution in a lot of ways with a case with multiple defendants. Without the indictment, arrest warrants would be issued and everything would have to go through the Reno Justice Court first with preliminary hearings before it makes its way to the Second Judicial District Court.

"Takes us right to court where we will be handling all the proceedings," Hick said.

Once the suspects turn themselves in, arraignments will be schedule and criminal proceedings will begin from there.

12 others who entered the school but did not cause any damage will still be charged and cited with trespassing, and an additional seven juveniles were involved and will be prosecuted through the juvenile justice system. No further information will be released on the underage juveniles due to the confidentiality imposed by Nevada Law.

The 12 cited with trespassing are:

  • Skylah Carithers
  • Kai Christensen
  • Fisher Current
  • Amelia “Mia” Custer
  • Lucas Ford
  • Erica Hooks
  • Sydney Jaksick
  • Elias Jara
  • Bhavisha “Bhavi” Patil
  • Ariel Perez
  • Flavia Rosi
  • Yoselin Salazar Soto

Hicks added that there were three people charged that were not enrolled at Reno High School. He also said that there were still some other potential suspects, but they didn't have enough evidence to charge them.

Investigators spent more than 10 hours doing walk-throughs in the school surveying the damage, which totaled $6,000. 

"I've been a prosecutor in this community for 23 years and I have not seen a case of this breadth in terms of number of defendants and attention drawn by the community," Hicks said on Friday.

In regard to the Nazi symbolism, the DA said there's not much they can do about it.

"The last thing we ever want to see in our schools, it's disgusting, but there is not a crime we can charge for that," he said.

Hicks says the Nevada Revised Statute does not have criminal charges for the way that act was done. However, he says it will definitely be considered at sentencing.

The Washoe County School District says they are going to put its foot down on future senior pranks.

"Senior pranks will not be tolerated, the senior pranks have gone significantly too far," said Joe Ernst, WCSD Superintendent. "I think people can remember back a time where there might have been something that was far lesser as far as a prank that occurred."

Download PDF Reno High vandalism indictments

Statements have been released from Beth Smith, the President of the Washoe County School District Board of Trustees and Joe Ernset, the Washoe County School District Superintendent.

The statement from President Smith reads:

"Today’s announcement brings a sense of closure to a deeply upsetting event that affected Reno High School, the Washoe County School District, and the entire community. The crimes that occurred weren’t just property damage—they were an attack on a place that means so much to students, staff, families, and alumni.

 

We are grateful to our WCSD School Police and District leadership for working quickly and thoroughly to identify those responsible. 

 

At the Washoe County School District, we believe strongly in accountability—but we also believe in growth and learning. Our hope is that those involved will use this as an opportunity to reflect, take responsibility, and ultimately make better choices in the future."

Superintendent Joe Ernst had the following to say:

"Today’s announcement from the District Attorney is an important step. We are glad to see those involved in the incident at Reno High School being held accountable through the legal system. The school district also took disciplinary action based on each individual’s level of involvement, and together, we’re making it clear: this kind of behavior has real consequences. 

 

What happened was disturbing and deeply disappointing. It’s been hard on students, families, and staff—especially at Reno High. But I want to be clear: this does not represent who we are as a school district, or what we stand for.

 

I am grateful to our WCSD School Police and to DA Chris Hicks and his office for the time and care they put into this investigation and the pursuit of justice. It was not easy work, and it was done right.

 

We will continue doing everything we can to make sure our schools are safe, respectful places where all students can learn and feel safe, supported, and respected.”

JUNE 6, 2025:

More than 30 people have now been identified in the recent Reno High vandalism case. 

The WCSD says there are two separate but parallel investigations: a criminal investigation by the WCSD School Police Department and an administrative investigation by WCSD. These investigations are extensive and ongoing.

The investigations have identified 30+ people connected to the incident. The WCSD says not all of the people are students at Reno High School.

The WCSD says as a result of the administrative investigation, disciplinary actions continue to be taken based on each person's level of involvement. Consequences range from suspension from classes for the remainder of the school year to the loss of privileges, including but not limited to the ability to participate in graduation ceremonies. Due to federal privacy laws, the WCSD is  not able to share specific numbers or identities of students who have been disciplined.

Prior to the incident, the WCSD says hundreds of students were on campus for scheduled senior activities. Most people left when the planned activities concluded; however, a large group later returned, causing the damage.

Officers are interviewing witnesses and people involved, reviewing footage from more than 40 surveillance cameras, looking at social media to identify potential witnesses, reviewing cell phone videos, following up on anonymous tips, and analyzing other evidence. 

MAY 29, 6:20 P.M. UPDATE:

An investigation into vandalism at Reno High School has resulted in the identification and disciplining of multiple individuals involved in the acts.

In a message to families, Reno High School Principal Mike Nakashima said those students and their families have been notified of disciplinary action, including suspension for the remainder of the school year and a loss of privileges, including the ability to participate in graduation ceremonies.

Federal privacy laws prevent the school from revealing the exact number of people who have been disciplined.

The actions taken by the school are different from the criminal investigation being conducted by School Police, which is ongoing, the principal said.

He also said that people with information that may be helpful can share it via SafeVoice.

---

MAY 29, 10:40 A.M. UPDATE:

The Washoe County School District has created a webpage to update the community about the ongoing investigation into Reno High's vandalism.

Superintendent Joe Ernst says, "WCSD School Police are conducting a comprehensive review of all available evidence. The investigation requires careful examination of multiple witnesses, suspects, and extensive video surveillance, which takes time." 

Although Reno City councilman Devon Reese previously estimated damage at $100,000+, Ernst says a full assessment and "cost of repairs is still being completed. Any dollar amount that may exist publicly is premature at this time."

Once the investigation is complete, those involved could either be disciplined by school officials, or criminally cited or charged, dependent on a review by the Washoe County District Attorney's Office. From there, criminal punishment will be decided by the suspect(s) age. If they are under 18, those involved will be handled by the juvenile justice system - and if they are over 18, they will go through the adult criminal system, which could mean public trials and possible imprisonment. 

Ernst says the WCSD has received many anonymous tips they continue to follow up on and offer options for people to offer information - 

  • Reach out to School Police via phone, email, or in person to provide information (775-348-0285).
  • Call the SafeVoice hotline at 1-833-216-SAFE (7233) to speak with trained professionals available 24/7.

You can read more below - 

May 27, 2025: 

Reno High School's principal says that counseling and support is now available for students after last week's vandalism. 

In a message sent to families, Principal Mike Nakashima added that the investigation remains ongoing - after Reno City councilman Devon Reese said that vandals caused $100,000 in damage at the high school last week. 

"I have full faith and confidence in the investigation being conducted by our Washoe County School District School Police, and those who perpetrated these acts against our school will be held accountable..."

He ended his message reminding families of the school's 'core values': respect, honor and strength. 

"Let us move forward together with clarity, accountability, and compassion. We will take steps to ensure our school remains a place of learning, not of hate. And to those who feel hurt or targeted—we see you, we support you, and we will stand with you. ...This is our RHS community. Let us honor it with our actions."

If you have any information that can help authorities, call or text your anonymous tip to Secret Witness at 775-322-4900.

You can read Principal Nakashima's full message below - 

Download PDF Reno High School Principal message

May 26. 2025:

A Reno City councilman says he's calling for a full investigation after vandals caused $100,000+ in damage at Reno High School last week. 

On Facebook, Devon Reese (Ward 5) says, "This is not who we are as a city, and it will not be tolerated. I am calling for a full investigation and will support any measures necessary to hold those responsible accountable. Our schools must be places of learning and inclusion—not fear and hate."

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve agreed in her own statement saying that the vandalism “involving racial slurs and extreme property damage is absolutely unacceptable and has no place in our city. I want to make it clear: this behavior does not reflect the values of our community.”

She went on to say that Reno Police is providing resources to the Washoe County School District Police. 

“We will not tolerate acts of hate in our city, and we will send a clear and united message that Reno stands against racism and discrimination in all forms.”

If you have any information that can help authorities, call or text your anonymous tip to Secret Witness at 775-322-4900.

May 24, 2025:

The Washoe County School District has released a statement regarding the recent vandalism and damage at Reno High School.

In the release, Superintendent Joe Ernst and Board President Beth Smith say they are "deeply disturbed and disheartened by the recent vandalism."

You can find the full text of the statement below:

"The Washoe County School District unequivocally condemns hate speech in all forms within our schools. Our educational institutions must be places where every student, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or background, feels safe, valued, and respected. Hate speech undermines the very principles of inclusion, respect, and equality that are central to the mission of our schools and our guiding principles.

We are deeply disturbed and disheartened by the recent vandalism at Reno High School. Such actions are criminal and are an attack on the values of respect, honor, and strength for which Reno High School stands.

The Washoe County School District School Police is continuing its thorough investigation. The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families remain our top priority. The district has and will continue to provide support, resources and counseling services to those impacted by these acts."

The district is asking anyone who may have information about the break-in or vandalism to contact Washoe County School District Police through Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900.

Devon Reese comment
Reno mayor reaction

Original Story (5/23/2025, 11:54 a.m.):

Reno High School officials canceled the senior assembly scheduled for Friday following an overnight break-in and acts of vandalism on campus.

The Washoe County School District notified parents and guardians about the incident in a Connect Ed call, stating that the break-in is under investigation and the school is working with local authorities to identify those responsible.

“While the damage is being assessed and cleaned up, certain areas of the school will remain closed,” the school stated.

Classes will continue as scheduled, and officials said they are taking necessary steps to restore full operations.

“The safety and security of our students and staff remains our top priority,” the message continued.

School administrators said they understand the significance of senior events and will provide updates on alternative plans for the assembly in the coming days.

The president of the Washoe School Board, Beth Smith, recently posted a statement to Facebook regarding the vandalism, saying:

"Hate symbolism and racial slurs have no place in our schools. The recent acts of vandalism and destruction at Reno High School are unacceptable and deeply hurtful. I stand united with our community against racism and antisemitism. Parents, please use this as an opportunity to talk openly with your kids so they understand the impact of hate and our shared responsibility to fiercely denounce it in every form."

This is a developing story - we will update you with new information as it becomes available.