UPDATE - February 20, 2026:
A Reno man who admitted to killing his wife was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole on Friday.
44-year-old Jack Willhoit pleaded guilty to first-degree murder before the Honorable Kathleen Drakulich in Washoe County District Court.
According to the Washoe County District Attorney's Office, the case began in May 2024, when Willhoit called 911, reporting that his wife may have overdosed on narcotics.
Police and first responders arrived at the couple’s home on Park Street and found the woman with a beaten face, numerous cuts to her face, neck, and throat, and a bleeding head wound. She also had burn marks on her chest and arm, as well as bruises and cuts on her hands.
Detectives noted that Willhoit had swelling on his knuckles and small cuts and scratches on his hands and forearms.
An investigation of the home found blood stains and splatter throughout the home and on household objects, including the victim’s walking cane, consistent with her being assaulted.
An autopsy determined that the cause of death was multiple blunt and sharp force injuries due to physical assault.
The State was represented by Deputy District Attorney Richard Haas.
UPDATE - May 23, 2024:
The man accused of killing his wife in Reno Tuesday night allegedly told police that she was suffering from an overdose, but police say they found severe injuries all over her body that couldn’t have been self-inflicted.
According to documents filed with the Reno Justice Court, Jack Willhoit, 42, called 911 Tuesday night to report that his wife was taking narcotics and “acting crazy and hitting him.” When police arrived, they found Willhoit’s wife unresponsive with bruises, lacerations, burns and incisions across her body. Police also say they found blood all over the apartment, including on a handheld torch, a knife, and a screwdriver.
Willhoit allegedly told police that both he and his wife have bipolar, schizoaffective disorder and take prescribed medication. He claimed that his wife attacked him, and he didn’t touch her, but he later admitted to police that he had punched her.
Police say Willhoit had injuries and red staining across his body, suggesting that he had beaten his wife, and she fought back.
According to police, Willhoit has a history of arrests, including an alleged kidnapping, a domestic violence case, and misdemeanor assault and battery out of South Carolina.
Willhoit faces one count of murder with a deadly weapon.
Original Story, May 22, 2024:
A man is behind bars, accused of killing a woman in Reno on Tuesday night.
Police say they found the victim, with extensive injuries, inside an apartment on Park Street just after 9:30 p.m.
Despite life-saving efforts, the unidentified woman died on scene.
Police say the involved parties remained on scene and were cooperative with the investigation.
Police say the suspect, 42-year-old Jack Willhoit, was arrested in connection with the death.
Police say there appears to be no active threat to the community, as the parties were known to each other.
The investigation is ongoing.
If you have any information that can help authorities, call or text your anonymous tip to Secret Witness at 775-322-4900.
The man accused of killing his wife in Reno Tuesday night allegedly told police that she was suffering from an overdose, but police say they found severe injuries all over her body that couldn’t have been self-inflicted.
