Tragic Nevada Airport Incident: 11-Year-Old Boy Killed in Apparent Murder-Suicide
A devastating case in Nevada has left communities in California and beyond in shock after an 11-year-old boy was killed in an apparent murder-suicide involving his father at Elko Regional Airport on April 13, 2026.
Authorities identified the child as Callan West Perez, a former student of Luther Burbank Elementary School in Merced, California. Described by those who knew him as “bright, loving, and full of heart,” Callan had previously won recognition in a “Father of the Year” essay contest, where he wrote thoughtfully about the meaning of a good father.
According to law enforcement reports, Callan was traveling with his father, 37-year-old Giovanni Perez, when their rental vehicle experienced mechanical issues near Winnemucca, Nevada. The pair were later transported to Elko Regional Airport to continue their journey.
Investigators say both entered a restroom at the airport before a fatal shooting occurred inside. Giovanni Perez then died by suicide shortly afterward. Callan was transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Officials also confirmed that the incident unfolded amid an ongoing custody dispute involving the child’s maternal grandparents. Investigators noted that Perez, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq, had documented mental health challenges, including PTSD, and had not received consistent support, according to materials recovered during the investigation.
The tragedy has been described by family members as “devastating and preventable,” raising renewed concerns about mental health care access for veterans and the safety of children in custody-related conflicts.
Callan’s death has sparked widespread grief, with tributes highlighting the young boy’s kindness, intelligence, and promise. His life, though tragically short, has left a lasting impact on his school community and all who knew him.
Authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.