Open Murder Charges Filed

WCDA Files Murder Charges Against Defendants Accused of Starving 5 Year Old to Death

Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks has announced that murder charges have been filed in Reno Justice Court today against co-defendants previously charged with felony child abuse.  Following a review of currently available evidence associated with the death of 5 year old Cali Anderson, Chief Deputy District Attorney Kelly Kossow has filed formal charges of Open Murder against the two defendants in the case.  Tyler Jermaine Anderson, 24, and Averyauna Cheyenne Anderson, 23, were previously charged with child abuse causing substantial bodily harm. They were arraigned on the new charges earlier today, which allege the child’s death was deliberately caused by means of complications from undernourishment and/or malnourishment.   A conviction for murder, if found to be 1^st degree murder, could result in a potential prison sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

The case against The Andersons remains active and the District Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with the investigating agency, the Reno Police Department’s Robbery Homicide Unit.  As the case progresses, information that can be released to the public will be made available. 

As in all cases, charges filed by this office are allegations and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.