Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office update on death of Carson City Sheriff’s Deputy

Medical Examiner’s office hosted 24 hour honor guard duty for Deputy Howell.

Reno, Nevada. Aug. 27, 2015. Washoe County Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Laura Knight said autopsy results confirm Carson City Sheriff’s Deputy Carl Howell, 35, and Jonathan Pope, 30, both died of gunshot wounds Aug. 15.

Deputy Howell and one other officer responded to a report of a domestic incident at about 2:18 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, to a home in the 4100 block of Montez Drive in Carson City and found an injured woman at the residence. Deputy Howell then approached the house and encountered Pope and the two exchanged gunfire. Pope died at the scene. Deputy Howell was taken to Carson Tahoe Health hospital where he died of his injuries.

“The autopsies were completed Monday, Aug. 17, and additional test results are pending,” said Dr. Knight. “The Carson City Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies escorted Deputy Howell’s body from Carson City to our office in Reno, Saturday, Aug.15. Our office hosted a 24 hour law enforcement Honor Guard for him from his arrival until all procedures were completed on Monday, and an honor motorcade escorted Deputy Howell while leaving our office.”

Dr. Knight also commended the entire Medical Examiner’s staff for their dedication and hard work both at the scene and at the Medical Examiner’s Office.

“The Carson City Sheriff’s Office requested the bodies of Deputy Howell and Mr. Pope be transported separately and kept separate at our office, which our staff went to extra lengths to accomplish” said Dr. Knight. “Before Deputy Howell was returned to Carson City, everyone on our staff gathered around with the law enforcement Honor Guard to say goodbye. It was one of the most intensive displays of caring and respect I have ever seen.”

The Reno Police Department continues to investigate the incident. Dr. Knight said the investigative agencies involved will meet next week to discuss the results of the autopsies and investigation.

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