In the late morning of August 3, 2021, a dispute between two men who knew each other took a fatal turn in Elko, Nevada. At approximately 9:17 a.m., emergency crews were dispatched to a residence on the south side of town following a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered the body of 37-year-old Edward Gilbreath, a White/Caucasian male, who had sustained a fatal gunshot wound.
The incident occurred at the home of 51-year-old Joshua Melton.
Authorities reported that Gilbreath and Melton were acquainted and had previously worked together. An altercation erupted between the two men, which culminated in Melton allegedly drawing a handgun and shooting Gilbreath. Gilbreath was pronounced dead at the scene. The specific motive for the dispute that escalated to such a violent conclusion has not been made clear by law enforcement.
The day following the shooting, on August 4, 2021, Joshua Melton was arrested at the Elko Police Station. He was subsequently booked into the Elko County Jail on a charge of open murder and was held without bail. Reports from the time of the incident indicated that Gilbreath had faced several legal issues in the months leading up to his death, including arrests for various charges.
