Storey County man arrested on child endangerment charges

A 46-year-old Storey County man has been arrested and charged with child endangerment in connection with the suicide of his 13-year-old son in May.

Storey County Sheriff Pat Whitten said the charges against George Echo were requested after a lengthy investigation into the May 21 suicide of the Mark Twain boy.

According to the criminal complaint, school officials called Echo and informed him his son had been threatening to shoot himself. It was reported Echo ignored the warning and went to a gambling establishment after his shift ended.

Echo returned home after 11 p.m. to find his son dead as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The report states firearms and ammunition were available in the home and the son had attempted suicide previously.

Echo was charged with child endangerment resulting in substantial bodily harm or death. The charge is a felony, punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment. Echo was released on $40,000 bail.

His first appearance is set for Sept. 4 in Virginia City Justice Court.