The Elko County District Attorney’s Office filed a criminal complaint in Elko Justice Court on Nov. 6, charging Lindsey O. Zayas, 30, with open murder with the use of a deadly weapon of a victim 60 years of age or older.

Elko County sheriff’s deputies and an ambulance responded to a call at a residence in Osino shortly before 9 p.m. on Oct. 31 and found 72-year-old Wayne Wiese on the ground. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Zayas was arrested on suspicion of stabbing Weise “approximately 15 times” with a “Rambo-style” knife, according to witnesses.

In the complaint, prosecutors allege Zayas committed the murder “willfully and intentionally or, as an alternative theory, by abusing an elderly person.”

During his arrest, “suspected methamphetamine” was found in his bag and he was also charged with possession of a controlled substance, a category “E” crime.

Witnesses said Zayas took items out of the trailer when Weise arrived and began “screaming” at Zayas, telling him, “You’re not taking my stuff,” according to court documents.

Zayas told authorities Wiese sprayed a liquid called “Heat” on him and “threatened to burn him.” He also said he was afraid Wiese would use the lighter “or torch” he carried with him.

He said Weise continued to threaten him and Zayas told Wiese, “Don’t make me do this.”

Zayas admitted to grabbing a 5- to 6-inch knife and stabbing Weise, telling authorities he “acted in self-defense and thought Wiese was going to set him on fire.”

Sheriff’s detectives, however, were skeptical of Zayas’ claim, stating that Wiese’s “injuries were inconsistent with Zayas acting in self-defense” and that Weise “did not have any provocative tools in his possession and therefore could not have made any threats to Weise.” Set fire to Zayas.”

The Elko Joint Narcotics Unit said they were aware of Wiese and his involvement in the illegal narcotics trade in Elko County.

A preliminary hearing was held Nov. 21 in Elko Justice Court.

Zayas remains in custody at the Elko County Jail on $250,000 bail.