Four arrested in killing of woman who was a witness in murder case

Tuesday, April 7, 1998 | 10:20 a.m.

"At this time, we have no evidence that it has any connection whatsoever," Sparks Police Lt. David Zarubi said. "It's just a tragic coincidence that that same residence would be affected by a homicide within that short a time."

Officers found the body of Kimberly Jean Fondy, 33, at her home around Sunday evening after dispatchers received a 911 phone call from an unidentified woman asking for police assistance.

Fondy, whose body was found in the wheelchair to which she had been confined since an automobile accident several years ago, was a witness to a murder that occurred in the same house last year.

Zarubi said robbery and drugs may have been the motivation for this week's killing.

Police arrested Pedro Rodriguez, 29; Cristobol Barrows, 31, and two juveniles aged 16 and 17. All four face appearances Wednesday in Sparks Municipal Court after exact charges are filed.

While it has been determined that the previous victim was killed in Fondy's home, the body of Judith Ann Laine, 33, was found in late December buried under 3 feet of snow near Boca Reservoir west of Reno.

Laine was last seen Nov. 13 in Sparks, but was not reported missing until Nov. 29. Police said they initially had no reason to suspect foul play.

A subsequent investigation revealed she was stabbed in the shower of the home Fondy shared with Laine and John Andre Bazile.

Bazile, 21, was charged with murder in Laine's killing and is scheduled to stand trial in August.

Fondy testified against Bazile in initial hearings in the case, Zarubi said.