During an impromptu press conference Wednesday, Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam announced suspect Delshay Astor has been charged with second-degree murder in the case of Anna Marie Scott, a 23-year-old Paiute mother of two, who was found shot to death in the trunk of a burning car on the I-580 Galena Bridge four years ago.
However, in a continuance of WCSO’s treatment of this case over the past four years, details were virtually non existent, no prior notice of the conference was provided to the media or the community ahead of time, and Balaam stated they will not answer any questions relating to the investigation as it is “active.”
However, once an arrest has been made, probable cause and initial court filings are public information, so it’s unclear at this time why information remains blocked, or why Balaam did not indicate what the suspect had been charged with. Despite being third in the queue during the conference, that information came from United States Attorney for the District of Nevada Sigal Chattah.
Scott was found four years ago shot to death inside the trunk of a burning car on the I-580 Galena bridge. Since her death, the WCSO has refused to provide even the most basic information relating to the circumstances surrounding her death including when she was killed, what type of car she was found in or who owned it, what her movements leading up to the discovery of her body had been among other repeated questions. Carson Now has reached every anniversary of Scott’s death with renewed requests for information, and questions on when a case is considered “cold,” but has never received any response.
During the conference, Balaam said that they have “never forgotten” Scott, and “have been working tirelessly to bring her family justice.”
“I first want to acknowledge the profound loss suffered by the family, friends, and loved ones of Anna Scott,” Balaam said. “More than four years have passed since Anna’s life was taken, yet the pain of her absence remains. While today’s proceedings cannot undo that loss or erase the grief carried by those who knew and loved her, we hope they represent a meaningful step toward accountability and justice in her memory.”
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of everyone involved in this investigation, express my gratitude to our federal law enforcement partners and prosecutorial partners, and reaffirm to the Washoe County community our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice regardless of the time, complexity, or resources required. The pursuit of justice does not end when a case grows cold or years pass without answers. We remain steadfast in our responsibility to victims, their families, and our community to continue seeking the truth, holding offenders accountable, and ensuring that no case is forgotten.
Balaam was joined by Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Las Vegas office Christopher S. Delzotto, along with United States Attorney for the District of Nevada Sigal Chattah.
Delzotto described the crime as “senseless” and said the FBI and its partners “will not tolerate crimes against Native American women.”
He also thanked the law enforcement partners and the media for assisting in “raising awareness around violent crime.”
“It is our hope that this case serves as a reminder that regardless of the duration of investigations, our commitment to seeking justice for victims and their families remains unwavering. FBI Las Vegas has a strong, longstanding commitment to investigating violent crime on tribal lands alongside our law enforcement partners. We do not forget. We do not give up, and we will hold violent offenders accountable, no matter how long it takes.
The FBI and our partners will continue working to reduce violent crime on our state’s reservations and hold those who commit crimes accountable. Today marks the beginning of the process to hold Mr. Astor accountable for his reckless and violent actions which resulted in the tragic death of Anna. The impact of her loss is felt deeply across so many lives and hearts. Her presence, love, and light are profoundly missed, and her absence leaves an irreplaceable void.”
Despite being third in the queue, Chattah was the first to give any specific information relating to the case. She said Astor was indicted by a Grand Jury in US District Court on one count of second-degree murder that occurred within Indian Country.
“This case should also serve as a reminder that every victim matters. Every life has value, and no person should be forgotten simply because time has passed. I too heard and saw the primal cry for justice from Anna’s family, friends, and community For accountability for a crime so brutal, it should truly shock the conscience of every human being, whether or not they personally knew Anna. For four years, Anna’s family, friends, and loved ones carried the weight of unanswered questions and unresolved loss.
Today’s indictment reflects my commitment that no victim will be reduced to a file number or a statistic in this district. Anna’s memory will not be forgotten, nor will my office fail to pursue justice and accountability for her, her children, her family, her friends, and her community she left behind. I’d also like to take a moment to commend AUSA [Assistant United States Attorney] Penelope Brady for her expeditious and diligent work in investigating and charging this case and assure, personally assure, Anna’s family and friends that this is just the beginning of our pursuit of justice for Anna.”
News of the press conference was confirmed only 45 minutes prior to its start (by other news media agencies) and no information was provided on what it was about, only that it related to “a homicide investigation.” In addition, WCSO’s stream of the conference was not fully functional, as stated by commenters on the live feed.
At the time of publication, no official information or press releases have been released by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, aside from what was stated during the press conference.
Carson Now was provided information of the press conference by a third party, but WCSO provided no notice of the press conference occurring, nor did they return calls or emails requesting information about if the conference was actually occurring. One representative Carson Now did get ahold of said they “had no idea” what we were referring to.
The Carson City Sheriff’s Office, who had responded with WCSO to the initial call for the murder, was also not informed of the press conference, or that an arrest had been made.
It is unclear why the press or other partnering law enforcement agencies were not informed about the arrest, or the conference.
This is a developing story, and we will update with information when or if it becomes available.
