Autopsy report: Howell shot three times, Pope twice

The Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Thursday Carson City Deputy Carl Howell and suspect Jonathon Pope both died of gunshot wounds on Aug. 15.

The two men died Aug. 15 after Howell, 35, responded to a domestic disturbance call at the 4100 block of Montez Drive. While one deputy was talking with the female victim on the lawn, Howell approached the house and Pope, 30, fired shots at Howell. The deputy was hit multiple times, but was able to fire his gun, killing Pope on scene. Howell later died at a hospital.

The manner of death was ruled a homicide in both cases, said Washoe County Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Laura Knight. Knight can confirm Pope didn’t shoot himself.

Howell was shot three times, and Pope was shot twice, though the details of where the wounds were has yet to be released.

The autopsies were completed Monday but additional routine toxicology tests still were pending, and may not be completed for several weeks, Knight said.

Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong said Howell was wearing a bulletproof vest, as protocol for all officers. Furlong said all vests worn by the officers are replaced regularly and the department monitors their quality.

While Howell’s body was waiting for the autopsy, the medical examiner’s office hosted a 24-hour law enforcement Honor Guard from his arrival until all procedures were completed, Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office said in a press release.

Knight commended the medical staff for all of the hard work and dedication at the scene and office. The Carson City Sheriff’s Department had requested the two bodies be transported and stored separately, which the staff made sure to accomplish.

“Before Deputy Howell was returned to Carson City, everyone on our staff gathered around with the law enforcement Honor Guard to say goodbye,” Knight said. “It was one of the most intensive displays of caring and respect I have ever seen.”

The Reno Police Department still is investigating the shootings and the agencies involved are going to meet next week to discuss the results of the autopsies and investigation.