Three days after a deadly shooting along U.S. 395 near Hallelujah Junction, authorities have identified the two victims and arrested a suspect in the case.
On Saturday, December 6, a confrontation between two vehicles pulled over on the shoulder of southbound U.S. 395, just past the Long Valley Agricultural Inspection Station on the Nevada–California border, ended in gunfire. A patrol officer with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) from the Portola post happened upon the scene. When the officer arrived — the timing remains under review — a shooting erupted. Despite immediate medical aid from officers on scene, two people died before they could be transported to a hospital.
Today, the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the victims as 17-year-old Spencer Browne and 43-year-old Richard Browne — both residents of Reno. Their deaths were ruled homicides, the result of multiple gunshot wounds.
By Monday, the suspect was in custody. Authorities arrested 38-year-old Isacc Anthony Pedroza, also of Reno, on two counts of murder. According to the arresting agency, Pedroza has entered a plea of not guilty.
Because the investigation is ongoing, officials have declined to release detailed information about the events leading up to the shooting — including what sparked the confrontation, and whether the officer fired his weapon. Investigators say there is no evidence of a continuing threat to public safety.
Local reaction has been one of shock and grief. Community members around Reno say they are struggling to process the loss of a young teenager alongside his father. Even without an official family statement, tributes and heartfelt messages have begun appearing online — neighbors, classmates, and friends remembering Spencer’s youth and Richard’s role in his life.
Traffic along southbound U.S. 395 was shut down for hours Saturday while the scene was processed. Drivers were detoured via Red Rock Road. CHP officials are asking anyone with information to contact the Quincy office at (530) 283-1100. Persons with information about the identities of the deceased are being directed to contact the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office.
As the case moves forward, prosecutors and investigators are reportedly gathering evidence and canvassing for witnesses. The community — shaken by the sudden loss — is watching for transparency, justice, and clarity on what led to the deadly confrontation.
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