First Degree Murder Verdict

WCDA Secures Conviction in 2021 Fatal Shooting

Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks announces that Sparks resident, 21-year-old Brian Rodriguez-Sigala, was found guilty of First-Degree Murder with the Use of a Deadly Weapon and Carrying a Concealed Weapon this week.

On March 26, 2021, Sparks Police responded to an apartment on Sullivan Lane, following a report of trouble unknown. When officers arrived, they found 67-year-old Javier Rodriguez-Ramirez, the victim, inside with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was declared dead at the scene.

While investigating, police learned that the night prior, Javier had some people over, including the defendant. At some point in the evening, the two men got into an altercation after Javier began unwanted sexual advances towards Rodriguez-Sigala. At that point, police determined that the defendant shot at Javier twice, striking him once through the wrist and chest - hitting his heart. During an interview with police, Rodriguez-Sigala repeatedly claimed that he had shot the victim because the unwanted sexual advances were a sin and that he wanted the victim to confess.

Throughout the 6-day jury trial, Deputy District Attorney Jeff Hoppe highlighted the calculated nature of the defendant’s conduct, that he repeatedly said that the victim deserved it, and he murdered the victim for not confessing to the sins the defendant believed Javier committed.  

The Honorable Judge Hardy presided over the trial. Sentencing is set for July 27th.