Tragic Murder-Suicide at Elko Airport Leaves Father and Son Dead

Authorities investigate motive behind the shocking incident involving a Merced and Fresno-area family.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:36am

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An extreme close-up of a single spent bullet casing on a dark, shadowy surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the grim details of a murder-suicide investigation.A tragic act of violence leaves a community and family searching for answers.Fresno Today

Police in Elko, Nevada are investigating a tragic murder-suicide that occurred at a small airport, leaving a 37-year-old father, Giovanni Perez, and his 11-year-old son, Callan, dead. Authorities say Perez shot and killed his son before turning the gun on himself near an airport ticket counter. The pair had ties to Merced and Fresno counties, and investigators are still working to determine a motive for the shocking incident.

Why it matters

This case has deeply impacted the local Elko community, as well as Callan's extended family in California's Central Valley. Authorities are still searching for answers as to what led to this tragic outcome, including whether Perez had any military background or was involved in a custody dispute with the child's maternal grandparents.

The details

Police say the shooting occurred just after 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13, and was initially reported as an active shooter situation. When officers arrived, they found Giovanni Perez dead. Callan was transported to the hospital with a gunshot wound but was later pronounced dead. Investigators determined that Perez and his son had been driving a rental car that broke down, leading them to the Elko airport, but it remains unclear where they were headed.

  • The shooting occurred at around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026.
  • Callan was transported to the hospital but later pronounced dead.

The players

Giovanni Perez

A 37-year-old man who shot and killed his 11-year-old son, Callan, before turning the gun on himself at the Elko airport.

Callan Perez

The 11-year-old son of Giovanni Perez, who was shot and killed by his father at the Elko airport.

Elko Police Operations Lieutenant Shane Daz

A police official who stated that the incident was not common for the small town of Elko and that authorities were still investigating where the pair were coming from.

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What’s next

Investigators are working to confirm whether Giovanni Perez had any military background and are also looking into a potential custody dispute with Callan's maternal grandparents. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities search for a motive behind the tragic murder-suicide.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking case has left the tight-knit Elko community, as well as Callan's family in California's Central Valley, searching for answers and grappling with the devastating loss of a young life. The tragedy has raised questions about potential mental health issues, custody disputes, and the need for greater support and resources to prevent such senseless acts of violence.