According to multiple reports, the shooting occurred at approximately 12:38 pm on April 13 at Elko Regional Airport, also referred to by some sources as Elko International Airport. The official name of the airport has been a point of confusion in reporting, but the incident took place at the facility commonly known as Elko Regional Airport.
Callan was shot multiple times in the airport restroom, where he and his father had entered twice. During the second visit, Giovanni fatally shot his son, according to major media reports. Giovanni then shot himself near the ticket counter. Callan was rushed to North Eastern Nevada Regional Hospital but died from his injuries.
Callan was so much more than this tragedy. He was incredibly smart, funny, and kind—wise beyond his years.
The father and son had been traveling together when their rental car broke down in Winnemucca, Nevada. They were towed to Elko to arrange alternative transport, according to reports. Elko police said Giovanni Perez was reportedly in a custody battle with his son's maternal grandparents and was trying to keep the child from them and his own family.
A bomb squad was called to process the family's vehicle for explosive devices, but no explosives were found. The airport was closed and flights halted, reopening the following day, according to major media reports.
It is with shattered hearts that we are asking for help for our family during the most unimaginable loss. Our sweet Callan West Perez, only 11 years old, was taken from us at the hands of someone who was supposed to protect him.
Callan had won third place in a father of the year essay contest organized by the Merced County Office of Education in California last June, major media reported. A GoFundMe campaign was started to raise money for Callan's funeral and family, raising about $12,000 of a $13,000 goal as of Wednesday morning.
Callan's family, via the GoFundMe page, said they want justice 'against a system that failed him'. In a statement, the family described Callan as 'incredibly smart, funny, and kind—wise beyond his years.' They added, 'It is with shattered hearts that we are asking for help for our family during the most unimaginable loss. Our sweet Callan West Perez, only 11 years old, was taken from us at the hands of someone who was supposed to protect him.'
There are no words that can truly capture the pain, confusion, and heartbreak we are all living through right now. Callan was so much more than this tragedy. He was incredibly smart, funny, and kind—wise beyond his years. He had the biggest heart and the sweetest soul. Not to mention a smile that lit up every room he entered. He deserved so much more life, so many more laughs, and a future that was stolen far too soon.
A relative, Jil Chiesa, wrote on social media: 'Sweet Callan would be thrilled. Our sweet angel is smiling down, I just know it.' The family also said, 'Please help us honour Callan’s life and give him the farewell he deserves.'
Many questions remain unanswered. The motive for Giovanni Perez killing his son and himself is unknown. It is unclear why the father and son entered the restroom twice. The nature of the custody battle between Giovanni and the maternal grandparents has not been detailed, and it is not known whether there were any warning signs or prior incidents involving Giovanni. The specific failures in the system that the family refers to when seeking justice have not been specified.
Sweet Callan would be thrilled. Our sweet angel is smiling down, I just know it.
Please help us honour Callan’s life and give him the farewell he deserves.