UPDATE: Washoe sheriff says an elderly couple found dead in South Reno home

4:10 p.m. Thursday update: 

Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam released few details into his department's investigation into the deaths of an elderly couple in south Reno, saying it's too early to make many details public.

He sought to assure the public that law enforcement agencies across Northern Nevada are stepping up patrols to keep people safe and dedicating resources to solving both the Reno and Gardnerville homicides.

Several members of various law enforcement agencies attended the news conference on Thursday, including Reno Police Chief Jason Soto, Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong and Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverley, among others. That also included Washoe County Commissioner Marsha Berkbigler and Commissioner Bob Lucey.

"We have all come together to make sure the public knows we are working together as a region to keep our community safe and to bring those responsible for the crimes to justice," Balaam said.

Balaam did not release the names of the two people killed in Reno, saying his agency is awaiting confirmation by the Washoe County Medical Examiner of their identities.

Balaam stopped short of listing any similarities between the Reno and Gardnerville murders other than the victims are all older adults. In Gardnerville, investigators did not find any signs of forced entry, according to Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverley.

Coverley said the victims in Gardnerville were shot to death. Balaam said it is too early in the Reno investigation to say how the couple was killed.

Balaam said some "items were taken" from the Reno home but did not list what was missing.

Balaam called on the public to keep an eye out for suspicious activity and to check in on their neighbors and family members. He also urged anyone with any information about the crimes, "no matter how insignificant," to call the tip line: 775-321-4911.

"If you've seen anything, please let us know," he said. "We are trying to develop a profile as we speak."

4 p.m. Thursday update: 

Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said it was an elderly couple who were killed in their south Reno home. Authorities found their bodies on Wednesday. 

This is a breaking news story and will be updated. 

2:30 p.m. Thursday update: 

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is planning on holding a news conference at 4 p.m. Thursday. 

Check RGJ Facebook for a live video of the news conference and at RGJ.com for more updates as they become available. 

9:57 a.m. Thursday update: 

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is working with other area law enforcement to determine if there is a connection between the two deaths reported in south Reno and the recent murders in Gardnerville.

According to Washoe County Sheriff’s spokesman Bob Harmon, investigators are working with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and other agencies.

"We can't confirm for sure, but we haven't ruled it out yet," Harmon said when asked if the cases were connected.

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Last week, two women were murdered within a span of four days in Gardnerville. Connie Koontz, 56, was killed inside her home on James Road in Gardnerville Ranchos on Jan. 9 or 10.

The second victim, Sophia Renken, 74, was also killed in her Dresslerville Road home about four days later on Jan. 13.

The murders occurred just one or two miles apart, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has not identified a suspect.

Then at about 4 p.m. Wednesday, Washoe County deputies found two deceased adults at a home on La Guardia Lane off Zolezzi Lane in South Suburban Reno.

Harmon said he could not release further information on the two victims Thursday morning.

"As we know more, we'll get that released as quickly as possible," he said. 

8:35 p.m. Wednesday update: 

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the suspicious deaths of two people in a residence in the Zolezzi Lane area.

According to a new release, at about 4 p.m. Wednesday, the Sheriff’s Office was notified of suspicious circumstances at a residence on La Guardia Lane east of Valley Springs Road. Deputies found two deceased adults in the residence.

Sheriff’s detectives are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detective Division at (775) 328-3320 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900. Refer to case number WC19-306.

Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam reminds residents to always stay aware of their surroundings and be alert for suspicious activity. Sheriff Balaam urges residents to:

• keep doors and windows secure
• use outdoor lighting if available
• don’t open doors for strangers
• keep cellphones handy and charged
• report suspicious activity to law enforcement

The identity of the victims will be confirmed by the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.