Trial to begin today for man accused of gunning down his wife

Opening statements are expected to begin today in Yerington in the murder trial of a Dayton man accused of gunning down his estranged wife in May 2006 in her parents' driveway.

Christopher Deyerle, 26, is being tried on one count of first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon in the killing of Heather Greene-Deyerle. If convicted, he faces life in prison.

According to investigators, the couple was to discuss divorce when they went outside of Heather's parents' Boulder Circle home and Deyerle allegedly shot his 24-year-old wife in the head and pelvis before fleeing on foot. She died three hours later at a Reno hospital.

Following a 15-hour search by law enforcement, Deyerle was spotted by a homeowner, limping along River Road three miles from the scene of the shooting. He was arrested without incident and indicated to police he'd slept on an island in the Carson River.

Former Lyon County Lt. John Arndell said Deyerle told police he intended to kill himself, but ran out of bullets after firing at least six rounds at his wife.

Deyerle's attorney argued Monday before Third Judicial District Judge Robert Estes that statements Deyerle made to police after his capture should not be allowed before the jury. This morning, a hearing will determine if the jury will hear testimony about Deyerle's statements prior to the shooting.

Deyerle remains in custody in the Lyon County Jail on $1 million bail.

• Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.

Facts of the Case

• May 4, 2006, 9 p.m. - Heather Greene-Deyerle is shot in the head and pelvis outside her parents' home in Dayton. Her father told police she had been outside talking with her estranged husband when shots rang out. When Heather's father got outside, he allegedly saw Deyerle running from the area. She died three hours later at a Reno hospital.

• May 5, 2006, 3 p.m. - Witnesses spot a limping Christopher Deyerle on River Road, three miles from the shooting scene. He is arrested without incident.

• May 8, 2006 - Deyerle is charged with one count of first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon. The following day he is arraigned on the charge.

• Aug. 1, 2006 - After a day-long preliminary hearing, a judge determines there is enough evidence to try Deyerle on the charge. Casino workers testify that Deyerle said he would shoot his estranged wife if he found out she was seeing another man.

• Sept. 10, 2006 - A jury is seated.

• Today - Opening statements are expected to begin this afternoon.