Life Sentence for Murder Conviction

WCDA Releases Results of 2015 Sun Valley Murder Prosecution

The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office has announced that a conviction secured in April has resulted in a life sentence for a defendant found guilty of second degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon.  The prosecution stemmed from an October, 2015 shooting that resulted in the death of a 16 year old Sun Valley teen.  The sentence ensures that the defendant will serve a minimum of 20 years in prison before parole eligibility begins. 

Jonathan Zurisaday Jaramillo, also known as “Sleepy”, 20, from Sun Valley was sentenced last week on one count of Second Degree Murder with the Use of a Deadly Weapon to life in prison plus an additional 20 years by Judge Patrick Flanagan. Jaramillo was also sentenced to an additional 6 years for a Battery by a Prisoner conviction he accumulated will awaiting trial.  

Jaramillo was found guilty in April after a jury trial for the October 9, 2015 shooting.  On that evening, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies responded to a report of shots fired in Sun Valley.  When deputies arrived, they located 16-year-old Gerardo Reyes dead in the backyard of the home.  Reyes had been attending a bonfire at an Igloo Street address with teenage friends when he was shot once in the back by Jaramillo.  WCSO Detectives investigated the case and were assisted by the Regional Gang Unit (RGU), as Jaramillo has a history of being a documented gang member. During the initial investigation, RGU officers located Jaramillo within hours of the shooting and also located the gun used to kill Reyes, which had been dismantled and hidden.  Jaramillo was subsequently arrested and this office charged him with murder. 

At sentencing Prosecutors Roy Stralla and Nate MacLellan argued that Jaramillo deserved the maximum sentence based upon his violent history in the juvenile system and the battery of a prisoner in the jail, which was believed to be gang related.   They added that Jaramillo’s actions demonstrate that he is a hardened and dangerous gang member even when incarcerated.