Reno defendant admits shooting at party
RENO ” Closing arguments are scheduled Wednesday in the trial of a man charged with killing three people at a Halloween party last year.
Samisoni Taukitoku is charged with three counts of murder and four counts of assault with a deadly weapon. The 2007 off campus party was attended by many current and former University of Nevada, Reno, students.
The 19-year-old Taukitoku testified Monday that he pulled out his gun and fired when people jumped him, but said he didn’t know he had hit anyone.
Killed were snowboarder Charles “Coogan” Kelly, 21, of Truckee; and 23-year-olds Derek Kyle Jensen of Reno and Nathan Viljoen of Sparks.
Another man, 19-year-old Saili Manu, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. His sentencing is set for Dec. 12.
Two juveniles were not charged.
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Nevada County has 3,292 total COVID-19 cases
Local coronavirus cases reached 3,292 on Friday, a rise of 35 from the day before.
