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Monday, July 13, 2026 at 9:25 AM
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Yerington man sentenced for murder

Yerington man sentenced for murder
Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

A Yerington man was sentenced to life in prison, but could get parole after 25 years, for the murder of his wife.

The Third Judicial District Court sentenced Dustin Cooper, 29, of Yerington, Nevada, to life in prison with parole after 20 years and a consecutive sentence of 20 years with parole after five years for the deadly weapon enhancement. Cooper will be eligible for parole after twenty-five years.

A jury convicted Cooper on a charge of first degree murder on May 10.

Dustin Cooper


Cooper was convicted for killing his wife Johnie Shadden of Yerington.

On March 22, 2016, Shadden, 26 years old at the time, stopped at their home in Yerington on a break while working her job as a rural mail carrier. She was home a short time before Cooper called 911.  When officers and medical personnel arrived, they were unable to save Shadden, who died at the scene from a gunshot wound to the torso.

Cooper was arrested after a lengthy investigation led by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division.

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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 Comment author: Sheena Nash Comment text: After the trivia night is over, I would love for you to print the questions. I grew up in Fernley and would be interested to see how many answers I know. The coin is beautiful. Congrats on 25 years as a city! Comment publication date: 6/22/26, 1:38 PM Comment source: City of Fernley planning 25th anniversary celebration with three days of community events C Comment author: Carl C. Hagen Comment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion. Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AM Comment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-ramp Comment author: Alan Reeder Comment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS! Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PM Comment source: Howard David Jackson Comment author: Jack & Nancy Cook Comment text: Wonderful man. Created a precious family with Linda. Will always respect and admire his contribution to teaching at FHS. Comment publication date: 4/18/26, 10:27 AM Comment source: Howard David Jackson Comment author: JeffDickerson Comment text: Very well reported, even though our motion was denied. Comment publication date: 4/15/26, 11:05 AM Comment source: Judge allows Fernley City Council to proceed with corrective agenda item in Lau expulsion case
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