📌 THE GIST:
ELKO, NV — The Elko Police Department has released new investigative findings in the April 13 murder-suicide at Elko Regional Airport, in which Giovanni Perez, 37, shot and killed his 11-year-old son Callan before taking his own life. Detectives say Perez was engaged in an active custody dispute and had claimed a diagnosis of PTSD from his military service.
🔍 THE DETAILS:
- The Custody Dispute: Detectives determined Giovanni Perez was attempting to keep Callan from both the boy’s maternal grandparents and his own family. The maternal grandparents held an active custody claim against Perez at the time of the shooting.
- The PTSD Claim: Perez claimed he had been diagnosed with PTSD related to his military service. EPD said it is investigating his military record. His discharge status was not confirmed in the release.
- The Motive: EPD states it still does not have a motive for the shooting and may never know why Callan’s life was taken.
- The Investigation: The case remains an active homicide investigation. Media contact is Lt. Shane Daz, Operations Lieutenant, at sdaz@elkocitynv.gov or (775) 777-7310.
- Mental Health Resources: EPD urged anyone in crisis or struggling with mental health issues to contact a mental health professional or call 988.
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⚡ THE SPARK: EPD says a motive may never be established. When a child is killed and answers remain out of reach, what does a community owe the victim’s family in terms of public accountability and follow-through?
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🔗 SOURCE: Elko Police Department — Press Release, April 15, 2026