Murder of Helen Duffner

On April 27, 1977 the body of 63-year-old Helen Duffner was found off the Mount Rose Highway south of Reno, Nevada. She was found near an old shack and her 1964 white Chevy Nova was parked nearby. Helen had been shot twice in the back and once in the back of the head. It was described as an execution-type murder. Witnesses stated they heard the gunshots that morning. The area at the time was known as Mercury Mine and was frequented by hikers, dog walkers, motorcyclists, and 4-wheel-drive areas. 

Helen was from Santa Rosa, California but was living out of her vehicle in Nevada for a while. 

SOURCES:

Washoe County Sheriff

Reno Gazette-Journal April 29, 1977

Reno Gazette-Journal May 23, 1977

Nevada Evening Gazette May 23, 1977