The posthumous degree was presented to Markisha Hibbler’s mother at a special dinner hosted by The Retired Investigators Guild (the RIG) on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Reno, Nevada.
Reno, Nev. (October 2023) – The Retired Investigators Guild (the RIG) and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) jointly presented a posthumous Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in Markisha Hibbler’s name to her mother, Tinker Davis, at a dinner hosted on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Reno, Nevada. It was previously announced that a perpetual scholarship was established in Hibbler’s honor at UNR. Hibbler was the first person in her family to attend college and was working toward her nursing degree at UNR when she was murdered in the early morning hours of Sept. 19, 2015. The case was originally classified as an accident until it was assigned to Detective Mike Marty, then the lead homicide investigator for the Nevada State Police. Marty’s expertise and diligence revealed the true cause of death and led to the capture and incarceration of Markisha’s killer.
Marty, who today is the co-founder and CEO of the RIG said, “What our team and sponsors did leading up to this event is something that will ensure the memory of this young homicide victim will live forever. It is evidence that we have what it takes to make a difference in helping the victims and survivors of violent crimes.”
“Markisha always helped people in need, it is why she was going to college to become a nurse. This special gift the RIG has given to our family means Markisha will keep helping people. My family is so grateful for this,” commented Davis.
Donna Knotek, Executive Director of Development at UNR, and University President Brian Sandoval were instrumental in granting the posthumous degree and establishing the perpetual scholarship in Hibbler’s name.
Watch the recent interview with Taylor Burke of KOLO8 News Now: https://www.kolotv.com/2023/10/17/honoring-life-young-homicide-victim-by-helping-others/.
The RIG is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Reno that has national reach. Donations for the RIG’s work can be made by visiting the Retired Investigators Guild – Pledge page. Donations help fund the RIG’s programs. The organization is currently working hard to create strategic partnerships, staff key positions, build infrastructure, and get off the ground. Donations will go directly to funding this endeavor.
Additional information on the RIG can be found at www.therig.org.
