Soldier's body to pass through Carson about 8 p.m. tonight

A motorcade carrying the body of Army Pfc. Brandon Williams of Gardnerville is expected to pass through Carson City between 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. tonight.

Williams, 21, was killed by sniper fire Oct. 9 while serving a mission with the 101st Airborne Division in Baghdad, Iraq.

According Sgt. Brian Williams of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, his nephew's body is being escorted by Williams' brother Marine Lance Cpl. Justin Williams, on a flight from Philadelphia. The plane is expected to land about 7 p.m. at the Reno Tahoe International Airport.

Sgt. Williams said the motorcade of about a dozen law enforcement vehicles will then make the 30-plus-mile journey back to Gardnerville.

Williams' funeral will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Douglas High School gymnasium in Minden.

There will be a full, graveside service with military honors immediately following the funeral at the Eastside Memorial Park located at 1600 Buckeye Rd, Minden.

These ceremonies are open for all who desire to pay tribute to the memory of Williams, said his uncle.

Williams is the first serviceman from the Gardnerville, Carson City, Lake Tahoe area to die during Operation Iraqi Freedom.