News Headlines

Murder Charged Upped in Nugget Casino Gang Shooting

Posted: 4:47 PM May 31, 2012
Reporter: AP

RENO, Nev. (AP) - Washoe County prosecutors have upped the charges against the man accused of killing a rival motorcycle gang
member at a Sparks casino based on new evidence that suggests the
shooting was deliberate and premeditated.

Ernesto Manuel Gonzalez already was charged with second-degree
murder in the September shooting of Jeffrey Pettigrew, president of the Hells Angels chapter in San Jose, Calif.

Gonzalez, the 53-year-old president of the Vagos' Nicaragua chapter, was arraigned in Washoe District Court again Thursday on additional charges of open murder and conspiracy to commit murder. He pleaded not guilty.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Karl Hall says in a new complaint Gonzalez was "lying in wait" for Pettigrew. He says he conspired with other Vagos with the "specific intent" to kill in promotion of their gang.