Investigation continues on fatal altercation

The investigation continues into the Sunday death of a Gardnerville Ranchos man from head injuries after a fight.

An examination of 41-year-old Edward Martinez revealed a single blow to his face forced him to fall on the back of his head, according to investigators at the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

But sheriff's deputies would not say by late Tuesday whether they thought they knew who had struck the man or if they had made an arrest.

Martinez was involved in an altercation at or near the Sharkey's Casino parking lot at the intersection of Highway 395 and Gilman Avenue sometime prior to 3 a.m. Sunday.

Bernie Curtis of the Holder Hospitality Group, which owns Sharkey's Casino, said Martinez came into the casino about 3 a.m., injured and bleeding, and leaned against a slot machine.

Martinez reportedly came in through the side doors along Gilman Avenue. A casino worker then called the sheriff's office for assistance.

Curtis said Martinez was inside the casino earlier, but no problems were reported at that time by the employees.

"We'd tell you if it was something different," he said. "It didn't occur here. There was no altercation in the casino that night."

Curtis said three sheriff's vehicles came to the scene. Reportedly, Martinez was released after refusing deputies' attempts to get medical attention for him.

Sheriff's Lt. Mike Biaggini said, "Our officers summoned paramedics there, and the paramedics advised (him) at least a half dozen times or more he should go to the hospital, but he absolutely refused to go or even let them attend to him."

About 5:44 a.m., sheriff's dispatch received a call at a Riverview Drive address in Gardnerville Ranchos to transport Martinez for medical attention.

He was pronounced dead about 11 a.m. at Washoe Medical Center in Reno.

Investigators said Martinez suffered from a medical condition that kept him from recovering from his injuries.