First Degree Murder Case and Sentencing

WCDA Secures Life Sentence Against Defendants Convicted of 2021 Murder

Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks announces that Sun Valley residents Fabian Bernal, age 21, and Yahir Bernal-Rodriguez, age 20, have been sentenced to life with eligibility for parole after 20 years. The Bernals were found guilty after an eight-day jury trial in District Court of first-degree murder with use of a deadly weapon, attempted murder with use of a deadly weapon, and discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle.

 On March 13, 2021, officers with the Reno Police Department (RPD) responded to reports of shots being fired into a vehicle in a parking lot on S. Virginia St. and Hubbard Way, where they found 20-year-old Adrian Rios suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Rios was taken to Renown Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

 The investigation into the shooting determined that Fabian and Yahir fired into the vehicle that Rios was sitting in, believing that another passenger in the car had disrespected them and was a member of a rival gang.

 At the trial and sentencing hearing, Deputy District Attorney Travis Lucia argued that the Bernals split up before approaching the victim’s vehicle with their weapons concealed and fired fifteen (15) total times into the car, setting up an ambush and execution of Rios and attempting to murder his passenger. 

Sentencing for the weapon enhancement, and other charges, is set for June 8, 2023.