Reno man sentenced to life for murder of ex-girlfriend over lease dispute — Police Handcuffs- File Photo - Arrest

Reno, NV – A 20-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Janaya Baker, who was 18 years old. Malik Coleman received the sentence on Monday and will be eligible for parole after serving 28 years.

The shooting occurred on November 16, 2023, at an apartment on North Virginia Street. Baker was found with a gunshot wound to her head and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Coleman had been in a relationship with Baker but was removed from her lease shortly before the shooting. Surveillance footage captured him entering her apartment while she was at work, where he waited for her return.

Audio evidence of their encounter recorded Baker questioning Coleman before a gunshot was heard. After the shooting, Coleman left the apartment and later sent a text message to Baker’s mother saying that she had been shot.

Washoe County District Attorney’s Office indicated that Chief Deputy District Attorney Nicole Hicks had urged the judge to impose a life sentence without parole, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime.

Baker’s family had expressed deep sorrow following her death, highlighting the loss of a young life.

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