On Thanksgiving Day, 1980, Reno was celebrating with parades and family gatherings when tragedy struck. Priscilla Ford, a woman with a long history of mental health struggles, drove her car through the crowded streets of downtown Reno—killing six people and injuring more than twenty.

This episode dives into:

• Ford’s troubled background and the warnings leading up to the attack.

• The horrifying events of that November day under the Reno Arch.

• The trial that followed, including questions of competency and justice.

• The lasting impact this massacre left on Reno and the families forever changed.

Was this an inevitable tragedy ignored by the system—or a shocking act of violence no one could have predicted?

Disclaimer: This podcast discusses true crime cases involving murder, mental illness, and other disturbing topics. Listener discretion is advised. All information is compiled from publicly available records, reporting, and historical accounts.

Season Wrap-Up
With this episode, we close Reno Murders: Death in the Biggest Little City — Season One of Deadly Truths. Thank you for following along.

Coming this October, Deadly Truths moves into Season Two, shifting our focus to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas—a place steeped in military history, notorious criminals, and hauntingly dark cases. It’s the perfect setting to carry us into a chilling new season.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the premiere of Season Two.
Like, share, and drop your thoughts in the comments.

Resources & References

• Associated Press (1980–1983) reporting on the Priscilla Ford case.

• Reno Gazette-Journal archives, coverage of the Thanksgiving Day massacre and trial proceedings.

• Nevada Supreme Court case: Ford v. State, 102 Nev. 126 (1986) – appellate review of her conviction and death sentence.

• Lake’s Crossing Center history and Nevada mental health system reports.

• Interviews and retrospective coverage from KOLO 8 News Now and KTVN 2 News Reno.

• “Massacre at the Parade” – feature in Reno Gazette-Journal remembering the tragedy and its survivors.

•