For a lot of young boys, there’s a special bond that exists between them and their dads. Whether their dad takes them on fun camping trips on the weekend or they simply enjoy catching up on life on the drive to school, it can be a really loving and supportive relationship. For some kids, unfortunately, the person who is supposed to protect them from harm is ultimately the one who causes it. An 11-year-old boy in Nevada was fatally shot by his father in a brutal murder-suicide in Elko Airport recently while the pair were traveling toward the Reno area.
An 11-year-old boy was shot by his father in a shocking murder-suicide.
According to a news release posted to Facebook by the Elko Police Department, around 12:30 p.m. on April 13, 2026, patrol officers were dispatched to an active shooter situation at the Elko Regional Airport in Nevada. When they arrived, officers found a dead male at the airport terminal, who was later identified as Giovanni Perez.
Bystanders at the airport directed dispatchers to a nearby bathroom where they found a juvenile with multiple gunshot wounds, who was later identified as Callan Perez, son of Giovanni Perez, per the news release. According to KUTV, Callan was taken to the hospital, but he did not survive.
There was an ongoing custody dispute within the family.
Investigators found that the father and son were traveling toward Reno when the rental car they were driving broke down, according to KUTV. They were towed to the Elko Airport so they could pick up a rental vehicle.
Authorities have confirmed there was an ongoing custody dispute that involved Callan’s maternal grandparents, KUTV reported. Callan’s mother did not have custody, but she kept in contact with her son by phone. Her parents were reportedly fighting for custody of their 11-year-old grandson.
In the days following the murder-suicide, authorities said Giovanni was trying to “hide” Callan from his family, including the boy’s mother, Fox 13 reported.
Giovanni had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, per Fox 13. Police also found from paperwork discovered in the rental vehicle that he had served in the military and had mental health issues.
Callan’s family is completely devastated by his death.
Callan’s family is mourning his death with “shattered hearts” as they try to navigate the untimely loss of someone they called “incredibly smart, funny, and kind—wise beyond his years.” A GoFundMe account was set up to help the family with funeral costs.
The online fundraiser calls Callan someone who “had the biggest heart and the sweetest soul.” The 11-year-old was also someone who “deserved so much more life, so many more laughs, and a future that was stolen far too soon,” it added.
According to KUTV, Callan won third place in an essay contest last year for “Father of the Year.”
That makes what happened at the airport incredibly heartbreaking. Our thoughts go out to Callan’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
