George Rice

NEVADA APPEAL

June 2, 1984

LYON DEPUTY SHOT TO DEATH

Smith AP: A Lyon County Sheriff’s deputy was shot to death by man with mental problems who was taken into custody by the officers who shot him after surrounding his house, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputy George Rice was hit in the head Friday when he and three other officers attempted to move in on the man who allegedly fired on two trucks on the nearby highway.

A high school 500 yards from the home was evacuated.

A man identified as Jesse Marriezscerenas was flown by helicopter to the Reno hospital for an injury to his arm that one deputy described as “half gone.”

The man began shooting from his house shortly before noon, according to dispatcher Frances Snyder. She did not know what sparked the incident.

“We’ve had him before with mental problems,” she said, adding he was believed to have a number of guns in the house.

Officers said Rice was within 20 yards of the house when he was shot shortly before noon. Lyon County Sheriff Gene Wilhelm waited until dark to rush the house with assistance of Carson City SWAT team.

Shortly after nightfall, Marriezscerenas staggered out of the house toward the officers, and then lunged toward a nearby car when he was arrested, the sheriff said.

Marriezscerenas was being held for observation in Reno.

Plaque Location & Image

North Wall Column 13 Row A     View The Plaque