Murder Trial Set for April 2027 in Reno Case
The proceedings for Delshay Astor and Joel Christy will begin in federal court next spring.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Crime — General
The murder trial for 28-year-old Delshay Astor and co-defendant Joel Christy has been rescheduled for April 20, 2027. Astor faces a first-degree murder charge following the 2022 death of 23-year-old Anna Scott, whose body was discovered at the Galena Creek Bridge.
Why it matters
The case, which centers on the 2022 death of a tribal member from Pyramid Lake, is now moving toward a 2027 trial date. A judge granted the delay after defense counsel requested additional time to research the case.
The trial is now slated for April 20, 2027, following a continuance granted to allow for further case research. Authorities determined that the victim, Anna Scott, died of gunshot wounds before being found in a burning vehicle.
The players
Delshay Astor
The 28-year-old defendant who faces a charge of first-degree murder.
Joel Christy
The co-defendant charged with accessory after the fact and aiding and abetting.
Miranda Du
The federal judge who will preside over the upcoming trial.
Craig Denney
The judge who oversaw the August 2026 arraignment of Delshay Astor.
Anna Scott
The 23-year-old victim of the incident.
The details
Judge Miranda Du will preside over the trial in federal court. Delshay Astor, who pleaded not guilty to the indictment, remains the primary defendant for the first-degree murder charge. Joel Christy faces charges of accessory after the fact and aiding and abetting; he is currently released on a personal recognizance bond.
Timeline
February 3, 2022: Anna Scott was found deceased.
June 2026: Delshay Astor was arrested.
August 3, 2026: Judge Craig Denney oversaw the arraignment of Delshay Astor.
April 20, 2027: The trial for the two defendants is scheduled to begin.
The Truckee Meadows View
The 2027 trial date serves as the latest administrative step following the 2022 discovery of Anna Scott at the Galena Creek Bridge. This timeline follows the standard progression for high-level federal criminal cases in the region.
Residents should note that federal court operations in Reno will accommodate the trial starting in the spring of 2027. There are no immediate changes to local traffic or neighborhood access expected regarding these proceedings.
The takeaway
The court process for this case is moving toward an April 2027 start date. Observers can follow updates through the federal docket as the trial date approaches.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings and public safety updates, visit the Crime — General section.
