Family of IHOP shooter says he was schizophrenic

By Martha Bellisle, Reno Gazette-Journal

Shortly after Eduardo Sencion shot 11 people at an IHOP restaurant, killing four before fatally shooting himself, his sister-in-law told officials that he had been diagnosed schizophrenic and was taking medication.

Rosa Gonzalez-Perez also told Carson City sheriffs detectives that Sencion had lived with her family on Jodi Lane for about three years, but had moved in with his parents on Truckee Lane about six months ago, according to a video of an oral affidavit for search warrant.

Eduardo Sencion

Eduardo Sencion

She also confirmed that Sencion was likely driving the blue mini-van found at the shooting and said the mini-van was used by her in-laws most of the time.

Detective David LeGros told Justice of the Peace Tom Armstrong that officials feared for the safety of the people living at those houses, but when they arrived at the Truckee Lane home, no one was there.

Inside they found “box upon boxes of additional ammo that would be suited for an SKS or AK style rifle,” LeGros told Armstrong. They also found “additional firearms” inside the house, LeGros said, but he did not identify the model.

Sencion began shooting outside the IHOP at about 9 a.m. on Sept. 6, wounding a woman near a motorcycle, before going inside and firing his assault weapon at customers.

Three Nevada National Guard members gathered for a breakfast meeting were killed: Lt. Col. Heath Kelly, 1st Class Miranda McElhiney, both of Reno and 1st Class Christian Riege of Carson City. Also killed was Florence Donovan-Gunderson of South Lake Tahoe.

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