City Attorney Wes Duncan Announces Domestic Battery Conviction Following Bench Trial

The Sparks City Attorney's Office announced that its prosecutor secured a conviction for Darnell Mckinley for Domestic Battery, first offense, stemming from an incident that occurred on March 30, 2025.

On May 1, 2025, Sparks Police Department responded to a call for service. While on scene, the victim disclosed to law enforcement that a domestic battery occurred between her and Mckinley, her then boyfriend, on March 30, 2025.

The victim reported that on March 30, 2025, she returned home from work and an argument ensued between her and Mckinley. During the argument, Mckinley became upset, grabbed a terracotta pot, and swung it at the victim, which caused her to have a bloody nose and split lip. The victim went to the hospital that same day and took pictures of her injuries. After the battery, Mckinley texted the victim's friend and admitted to throwing the pot and hitting the victim. Mckinley told law enforcement he threw the pot on the ground, which bounced up and accidentally hit the victim.

On February 25, 2026, a bench trial was held where the victim and the victim's friend testified and a prosecutor with the Sparks City Attorney's Office admitted the photos of the victim's injuries and Mckinley's text message. At trial, Mckinley testified and admitted to throwing the terracotta pot but maintained it accidentally hit the victim. A Sparks Municipal Court Judge found Mckinley guilty of Domestic Battery, first offense.

"The Sparks City Attorney's Office will continue to diligently prosecute domestic violence cases within our community and will persist in its vigilance in safeguarding victims of crime," stated City Attorney Wes Duncan.

As a result of the conviction, the victim requested the Sparks Municipal Court Judge impose 180 days active in the Washoe County Jail. Despite this request, a Sparks Municipal Court Judge rendered the following sentence:

Mckinley will serve the maximum term of 178 days in the Washoe County Jail suspended not to exceed one year on the condition he serve 2 days in the Washoe County Jail, complete 48 hours of community service, pay a $200 fine plus administrative assessments, pay a $35 domestic violence fee, complete 26 weeks of domestic violence counseling, have no contact with the victim, and that he obey all laws. Mckinley was also ordered to surrender all firearms in his possession.