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Munoz Case Update: Identification Made of Woman Found Buried Near Del Rio Drive in Fallon

Munoz Case Update: Identification Made of Woman Found Buried Near Del Rio Drive in Fallon
Older photograph of Munoz, Xiaoxia Zhang, and three of their four children. Photo courtesy of BCBay.com

The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office released information today identifying the woman who was found dead near Del Rio Drive in Fallon on November 21 as Xiaoxia Zhang, 40, of Reno, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause and manner of death are pending further investigation. 

Daniel Munoz, who has been charged with the murder, was scheduled for a bail hearing on Wednesday, November 27, however the hearing was continued until January 15.

Original Article:

On November 20, Daniel Munoz, 71, was arrested and taken into custody on charges of Open Murder. According to information released by the Reno Police Department, their office initiated a joint investigation with the Churchill County Sheriff's Office regarding the disappearance of a 40-year-old woman with ties to Fallon.

Missing since November 8, Reno PD officials stated that suspicious circumstances surrounded the woman's disappearance. Detectives soon identified Daniel Munoz (71) as a primary suspect. Upon a thorough investigation and search of Munuz's residence in the 6100 block of Pleasant Oak Trail in Reno and the 1400 block of Del Rio Drive in Fallon, investigators discovered a body buried in the backyard at the Fallon residence. Subsequently, Munoz was arrested in Churchill County with bail set at $1 million.

Detectives believe the incident to be isolated, with no public threat anticipated. Upon proper notification to the next of kin, the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner's Office will release information on the decedent's identification. 

A bail hearing was initially scheduled for 1 p.m. in Churchill County New River Township Justice Court before Judge Ben Trotter on Friday, November 22. Shortly before convening, the court received information that the case was being transferred to Washoe County, where the investigation began. 

Churchill County Sheriff Richard Hickox confirmed that Munoz was transported to Washoe County late that day. 

Reno Justice Court Clerk's Office stated on Friday that Munoz would be over the weekend.

A Criminal Complaint has been filed with the Reno Justice Court alleging Munoz did commit Open Murder. In Nevada, Open Murder indictments include Murder in the First Degree, punishable by 20 years to life in prison – or even the death penalty; Murder in the Second Degree, punishable by 10 years to life; and Voluntary and Involuntary Manslaughter, which involve lesser sentences. Open Murder is the only criminal charge in Nevada where judges do not have to consider bail. 

Churchill County property tax reports reflect that Daniel Munoz is listed as a Del Rio Drive residence property owner. The Nevada Secretary of State records show Daniel Munoz as a managing member of Diversified Builders, further denoting a Fallon Del Rio Drive address.

On Tuesday November 26, Churchill County Sheriff Richard Hickox confirmed that Munoz's four young children are safe. "They were with a family member last I knew," stated Hickox, "DCFS was notified so they will be working to ensure the safety and proper placement of the kids."

The charges against Munoz are alleged. All defendants are guaranteed the constitutional right of a presumption of innocence. 

The Fallon Post will release more information as the story develops. 

https://www.thefallonpost.org/article/7015,friends-concern-prompts-investigation-uncovering-murder-of-xiaoxia-zhang-munoz by Leanna Lehman Available 12/19/24

Daniel Munoz Murder Case Update - Identification Made of Woman Found Buried Near Del Rio Drive in Fallon  (Bail Set at $5 mill) by Leanna by Lehman 12/6/24

Arrested for Murder in Fallon, Munoz Case Moves to Reno by Leanna Lehman 11/26/24

Daniel Munoz Arrested on Open Murder Staff Report 11/22/24


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Comment author: Mike HinzComment text: I knew Sam as a member of our church growing up. He always had a warm smile, a kind word, and a great sense of humor! He will be great missed!Comment publication date: 7/2/25, 11:57 AMComment source: Obituary -- Samuel Bruce WickizerComment author: Mike HinzComment text: Great teacher, great coach, but even a better person!!! Rest in peace Mr. BeachComment publication date: 7/2/25, 11:53 AMComment source: Obituary -- Jack Victor Beach, Jr.Comment author: Mike HinzComment text: I had Mrs Hedges for First Grade at Northside Elementary in 1969. I still, to this day, remember her as a wonderful teacher…one of my favorites!!Comment publication date: 7/2/25, 11:29 AMComment source: Obituary - Nancy Marie Hedges C Comment author: Carl C. HagenComment text: What are MFNs and PBMs ?? ............................ From the editor: This is a very good question and we apologize for not catching that wasn't in there. We reached out to the writer/submitter and got this info back...hope it's helpful. PBM: Pharmacy Benefit Managers are pharmacies that are owned by insurance companies. (CVS is one.) They negotiate with drug makers to get reduced pricing for medications, but they historically have not passed along those savings to patients. https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/pharmacy-benefit-managers-staff-report.pdf MFN: Most Favored Nation pricing is a policy that means a country agrees to offer the same trade concessions (like tariffs or price reductions) to all member nations of the World Trade Organization (WTO). When applied to pharmaceuticals, it could disrupt global access, deter innovation, and obscure the deeper systemic issues in American health care. https://petrieflom.law.harvard.edu/2025/05/22/the-global-risks-of-americas-most-favored-nation-drug-pricing-policy/Comment publication date: 6/23/25, 7:47 AMComment source: L E T T E R TO THE EDITOR
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