A Reno man already in jail now faces additional charges in connection with a shooting in Sun Valley this past summer.
Washoe County deputies say 27-year-old Christian Esparza was identified as a suspect after a months-long investigation by regional law enforcement partners.
Deputies say on August 16th they found two victims near W. 2nd Avenue and Sidehill Drive - one victim, a motorcycle rider, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and a second victim whose car was hit by gunfire.
At the time detectives identified him as the suspect, Esparza was already in custody at the Washoe County Detention Facility following an arrest by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and the Regional Gang Unit for possession of a stolen car. While in custody, he was also booked by the Reno Police Department on additional charges connected to multiple shootings. Those charges include attempted murder with a deadly weapon, possession of a stolen vehicle, battery with the use of a deadly weapon resulting in substantial bodily harm, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
On December 1st, detectives booked Esparza on charges of battery with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm within a structure or vehicle, and discharging a firearm in a restricted area connected to the August 16 shooting.
The investigation remains ongoing.
If you have any information that can help authorities, contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Division at 775-328-3320, referencing case number WC25-4097. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900 or online at http://secretwitness.com.
(Washoe County Sheriff's Office contributed to this report.)
