Murder in the Duplex: The Olympian’s Final Night on Yori Avenue
In March 1963, Reno was shaken by the brutal murder of Sonja McCaskie, a 27-year-old Olympic skier who had once represented Great Britain on the world stage. Inside her small duplex on Yori Avenue, police uncovered one of Nevada’s most shocking and gruesome true crime cases.
This episode of Reno Murders: Death in the Biggest Little City explores:
The life and final days of Sonja McCaskie, the British Olympian who made her home in Reno
The horrifying crime scene that stunned a community known for neon lights and casinos
The investigation and conviction of Thomas Lee Bean, the predator behind the murder
Archival newspaper reports, trial records, and historic crime files that documented the case
Sonja McCaskie’s death remains one of Reno’s darkest chapters — a haunting reminder of how quickly a city’s promise can be overshadowed by violence.
References & Further Reading
Nevada Supreme Court. State v. Bean, 81 Nev. 25 (1965).
Reno Evening Gazette (March–April 1963). Coverage of the McCaskie murder and trial.
Reno Gazette-Journal. Historic crime retrospectives on the Sonja McCaskie case.
Associated Press (1963). “British Olympian Murdered in Reno.”
Nevada State Journal (1963). Trial proceedings and sentencing of Thomas Lee Bean.
Clark County Library District – Special Collections. Nevada true crime archives.
Disclaimer & Listener Warning
This podcast discusses sensitive and potentially disturbing topics, including murder, sexual assault, domestic violence, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. All information presented has been compiled from publicly available records, news reports, archival sources, and historical accounts. While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, details may vary depending on source material.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help through your local crisis hotline or support services.
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