Suspect in Carson murder hires Reno lawyer

A high-profile Reno attorney is representing one of four men held in the death of Adam Wells.

Attorney Scott Freeman confirmed he was hired by Danny Shaw on Monday.

Shaw, 21, is being held on suspicion of murder, battery with intent to commit mayhem and kidnapping in the killing of Wells on Oct. 5.

Two days later, Shaw allegedly led authorities to Wells' blanket-wrapped body in a remote area off Brunswick Canyon Road. Two others, Juan Cervantes, 20, and Tyler Cruz, 24, have also been arrested on suspicion of murder, kidnapping and battery.

The three men allegedly beat Wells with a bat and hammer at a home on Stanford Drive then dumped his body in east Carson City. The cause of death has not been released. All three men are being held without bail. Cervantes and Cruz have been appointed public defenders.

A fourth person, Fred Bechtold, is being held on suspicion of felony accessory, destroying or concealing evidence and conspiracy to commit battery with a deadly weapon. His bail is set at $150,000.

Freeman said because of his late appointment to the case, a preliminary hearing set for Friday will likely not happen.

"I just got some of the information today, and I need adequate time to prepare," he said.

Freeman, who is a partner in the Reno law firm Freeman & Routsis, is co-host along with attorney David Houston of a Sunday morning program on KOLO TV called "Lawyers, Guns and Money." Programs cover topics ranging from law enforcement to gun control.

n Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.