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Friday, October 2, 2026 at 9:39 PM

Dayton man convicted of murdering sister-in-law

Dayton man convicted of murdering sister-in-law
Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

A Dayton man was found guilty on Sept. 14 of first degree murder of his sister-in-law.

James Leo Hamrick, 56, of Dayton, Nevada was found guilty of first degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon and destruction of evidence, following a week long jury trial in Third Judicial District Court in Yerington.

This case occurred on April 28, 2016, when Hamrick murdered Toni Marie Davis, 60, at their home in Dayton.

James Leo Hamrick


The District Attorney’s Office charged that Hamrick was at home alone with Davis for a short time before he killed her. Lewis Hamrick, brother of the defendant and husband of the victim, returned to the house in Dayton a short time later and discovered that both Hamrick and Davis were gone. Davis never returned and she was reported missing to local law enforcement.

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Detective Division, and the Nevada Division of Investigations investigated the case. During the course of the investigation they were led to the naked body of Davis. It took nearly three weeks of searching and investigation before law enforcement found Davis’ body. Hamrick was arrested and charged with the murder and destruction of evidence for hiding the body. He also hid the murder weapon, which was a small caliber handgun.

“We hope that this verdict will help bring some closure to the spouse, family and friends of the victim in this case,” District Attorney Stephen Rye said. “Law enforcement worked diligently to locate the victim and bring this case to prosecution so that Hamrick could be held responsible for this crime.”

The Third Judicial District Court will sentence Hamrick on a date to be determined.

Jeremy Reichenberg and Brian Haslem prosecuted this case for the Lyon County District Attorney.

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Comment author: PFB Comment text: Why can't you guys find competent contractors.. For a large municipal facility like the indoor-outdoor Fernley Swimming Pool located at 300 Cottonwood Lane, a complete ground-up commercial build or major structural renovation typically spans 6 to 12 months or longer when factoring in large-scale engineering, public municipal permitting, specialized commercial HVAC/roofing, and health department inspections. The current renovation has been- The Fernley Swimming Pool has been closed for approximately six to seven months since late February 2026 for a major roof replacement and facility renovation. Now you sat October. Soooo 8 months for a new roof. The picture shows no other renovations. Comment publication date: 9/17/26, 7:14 PM Comment source: Electrical problem delays Fernley pool opening Comment author: P Comment text: Relative of the Mayor is to over see this site. Anyone who knows Fernley KNOWS this is more of the who you are related to and know business in this town. VOTE THEM ALL OUT AND THE CALIFORNIA TRANSPLANTS. Comment publication date: 9/16/26, 10:31 PM Comment source: Lift Station Failure Released Untreated Sewage Comment author: Christopher Walsh Comment text: Could you look into the strong recurring smell around Fernley? It smells like sewage and it can be bad enough that people don’t want to be outside or open their windows. It would be helpful to get an investigative journalist help the Fernley residents get a clear answer from the City, NDEP, and any involved facilities. I was really disappointed that the smell was not disclosed by my realtor when I moved here. I enjoy Fernley and am seeing the improvements that are being made. With Appreciation Comment publication date: 9/12/26, 2:49 PM Comment source: Sewage spill near City of Fernley Municipal Well 9 Comment author: Alicia Euresti Comment text: We are all so blessed to have Pastor Matt and Mrs. Regina in this town. They have become a major part of pur family and our children adore them. Thank you both for all you do for qll of us. We love you!!!! Comment publication date: 9/6/26, 9:24 PM Comment source: Fascinating Fernley: Meet Your Neighbors at Living Faith Food Pantry Comment author: R Conley Comment text: Is the deputy receiving any additional training or reinforcing prior training? Comment publication date: 9/5/26, 10:08 AM Comment source: Inmate escapes from Fernley substation Comment author: Kayla Allen Comment text: Suzie was a wonderful woman. I was pleased to call her my "godmother" as she helped me to become a better version of myself. I think about her a lot. Comment publication date: 7/10/26, 8:31 PM Comment source: Susanne Lynn Foster