Sparks City Attorney Wes Duncan Announces Conviction in Child Abuse Case

Sparks, NV - On May 1, 2025, Sparks Police Department (SPD) responded to a Sparks apartment complex to investigate a report of suspected child abuse involving a 3-year-old girl that was reported by the school nurse of a local elementary school. The nurse observed extensive bruising on the child's right arm, which appeared to be in varying stages of healing, and chipped front teeth, during a scheduled school-based evaluation. The child was brought to the screening by her father, Gavin McKinney. The nurse indicated the father became visibly nervous, fidgety, and defensive when questioned about the injuries and claimed the bruises were the result of the child falling while attempting to climb over a railing.

SPD made several unsuccessful attempts to contact the parents at their residence and by phone. With assistance from apartment management and police databases, officers eventually located the family at a Cold Springs address. Child Protective Services (CPS) and SPD officers responded to the scene and interviewed Mr. McKinney and the child's mother.

During initial interviews, the Defendant and the child's mother claimed the child's injuries were caused by a dog bite 10-12 days earlier. Defendant also claimed the child's teeth were chipped during a fall at a day care when they lived in another state. However, Defendant could not provide the location of the daycare, contact information, or documentation to corroborate the incident.

SPD noted the child's visible injuries included significant bruising on the right arm, with bruises around the bicep to the tricep in varying states of coloration. A specific marking on the tricep was consistent with a palm area where the fingers meet the hand, including visible finger-shaped marks. Photographs of the injuries were sent to an on-call physician, who determined the injuries were not consistent with a dog bite due to the shape of the bruises and the fact that there were no visible teeth marks.

Due to the Defendant's inconsistent explanations and discrepancies with the injury assessment, SPD conducted another interview with the Defendant, who ultimately admitted to striking the child multiple times on the arm in response to a behavioral issue. Defendant claimed he did not believe he had used significant force, but after seeing the bruising, he separated himself from the child. Defendant also stated this type of behavior was uncharacteristic for him and attributed it to sleep deprivation, anxiety, and the recent arrival of a newborn in the home.

Based on the admission and observed injuries, CPS removed the child and her 2-month-old sister from the home. Both children were placed in protective custody with a relative. The defendant was cited for Child Abuse or Endangerment under Sparks Municipal Code 9.57.090.

On September 3, 2025, Senior Assistant City Attorney Ana Swanson represented the City of Sparks and secured a conviction for Child Abuse against the defendant.

As a result of the conviction, the Defendant was sentenced to 90 days in Washoe County Jail, suspended for one year on the conditions that he complete an anger management course and obey all laws.

"We commend the dedication of the Sparks Police Department and the vigilance of the reporting party, whose actions were key to this arrest and conviction," said City Attorney Duncan. "Our office remains committed to doing everything necessary to protect the children in our community."