In the quiet neighborhood of Stead in Reno, Nevada, the life of 72-year-old Delphina Mederios, a White female, came to a tragic and violent end on October 7, 2015. The harrowing events of that day unfolded when police responded to reports of gunfire in the 9800 block of Meadow Star Drive. Upon their arrival, they discovered Delphina's body in the yard of her home.
The suspect was quickly identified as her 54-year-old son, Edward Samuel Pundyk.
Neighbors reported seeing Pundyk armed with a gun and arguing with himself before hearing a gunshot. When law enforcement arrived, Pundyk, who had been acting erratically, fired multiple shots before retreating into the backyard, initiating a tense standoff. He was armed with an AK-47 style weapon and had fired at his mother at least five times, striking her at least once. During the incident, he also shot one of the many cats that lived in the home.
The presence of a dangerous and unstable individual prompted a significant police response, with nearby homes being evacuated as a precaution. The SWAT team and a bomb squad were called to the scene to assist in apprehending Pundyk and to ensure the safety of the surrounding area by clearing the house of any potential explosives. After a tense standoff, Edward Samuel Pundyk was taken into custody and subsequently charged with open murder with a deadly weapon.
In the ensuing legal proceedings, Pundyk entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, citing a history of mental health issues. His defense, however, was ultimately unsuccessful. In August 2018, a jury in Washoe County District Court found him guilty of first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon. For the murder of his mother, Edward Pundyk was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after serving a minimum of 29 years.
