This is extremely disturbing and sad news to report, especially for fans of “Ghost Adventures” and paranormal investigators.
On Tuesday, September 22nd an unnamed woman returned home to find her boyfriend dead and her roommate missing. Her roommate, later discovered to be Debby Constantino (**see note below**), was later discovered at her home in Sparks, Nevada after authorities tracked her down by pinging her cell phone. As authorities approached the door, someone inside fired several shots at the deputies. The gunman was later identified as Mark Constantino.
Mark and Debby Constantino had a history of domestic violence disputes, the most recent taking place just six weeks prior. Through conversations with a SWAT team, it was discovered that Mark had killed Debby’s roommate’s boyfriend for a still unknown reason and was currently holding the woman hostage. During the conversations it was noted that Mark even told the SWAT team, “Give me 15 minutes to gather my thoughts or I’ll kill her.”
After further attempts at negotiations failed and stalled, the SWAT team stormed the house only to find that Mark had shot Debby to death before turning the gun on himself.
Mark and Debby Constantino rose to reality TV notoriety as EVP experts when they appeared in a handful of episodes of “Ghost Adventures” from 2008 to 2011. “Ghost Adventures” is one of Travel Channel’s most popular shows, averaging about 750,000 viewers per episode.
EDITOR NOTE: We have the press release with the full info about this incident and it will clear up a few inconsistencies we have with our info. Link to the press release is below…. Thanks… Mitch
On Tuesday, September 22, 2015, at 6:31 a.m. the Reno Police Department (RPD) received a trouble unknown call for service to 2305 Escalera Court. RPD officers arrived on scene and located a deceased male victim with a gunshot wound to his head. This victim has been identified as James Anderson (1/14/60). During the course of the investigation on Escalera Court, investigators determined that Anderson’s roommate, Debra Constantino (10/17/62), was missing from the residence. A history check revealed that Ms. Constantino and her husband, Mark Constantino (1/30/62), have been involved in prior domestic violence incidents. Investigators learned of a recent Kidnapping and Domestic Battery/Strangulation case, which was reported to RPD on August 7, 2015.
RPD investigators obtained cell phone location information for the cell phones of both Debra and Mark Constantino. Both phones were in the area of 1100 15th Street in Sparks. Investigators also learned that the Constantino’s daughter resided in an apartment at this same location. Mark Constantino’s vehicle was located parked outside.
Shortly before 11:00 a.m., RPD Investigators and Sparks Police Officers (SPD) approached the identified apartment. The officers and investigators attempted to make contact at the door to check the welfare of Debra when they encountered gunfire from inside. The gunfire was accompanied by a male voice advising the officers to retreat and that this was a hostage situation.
The officers and investigators retreated and established a perimeter around the apartment. Additional personnel, to include; Negotiators, SWAT Teams, patrol officers and investigators from both SPD and RPD responded to assist. Negotiators made contact with Mark Constantino and established negotiations almost immediately. The SWAT Teams from both agencies worked together and took responsibility for the situation. Negotiators worked in conjunction with SWAT and attempted to secure a peaceful resolution to the incident. Negotiations continued throughout the entirety of the incident.
At approximately 1:15 p.m., negotiations continued as Mark Constantino spoke to a Negotiator via telephone. A short time later, a single gunshot was heard inside the apartment. SWAT officers made an immediate, emergency entry into the apartment. Tactical Medics from REMSA were on scene and entered the apartment immediately after it was cleared by SWAT. Debra Constantino and Mark Constantino were found deceased inside. At no time during the incident, were Debra or Mark Constantino fired at by law enforcement personnel.
On 9/23/15, autopsies were performed on both Debra and Mark Constantino. The cause of death for both subjects was determined to be fatal gunshot wounds. The manner of death has yet to be determined. At the conclusion of the autopsies, the identities of both subjects were confirmed by the staff of the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The investigation of the death of James Anderson and the investigation of the deaths of Debra and Mark Constantino are ongoing. There are no further details being released at this time.
Releasing Authority:
Triplett, Rocky L
Police Lieutenant
Police Dept Detectives
rtriplett@cityofsparks.us
(775) 353-2241 x5513
