Lake County Sheriff’s Major Crimes detectives arrest Nova Deperno for the murder of Lucerne man

After the arrest of

Nova Deperno in Sonoma County on Jan. 13, 2022, detectives from Lake County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit were able to interview Deperno regarding the disappearance of Lucerne resident Ron Meluso. Deperno provided statements linking him to the disappearance and subsequent murder of Meluso.

On Jan. 14, 2022, Deperno assisted detectives in locating human remains in a rural area off Bartlett Springs Road in northern Lake County.

The remains are strongly believed to be Ron Meluso, and detectives are in contact with Meluso’s family. Arrangements are being made to confirm positive identification.

On Jan. 21, 2022, Lake County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Detectives officially arrested Nova Deperno for the murder of Ron Meluso. Deperno is currently being held at the Lake County Correctional Facility.

Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact Detective Jeff Mora at 707-2624224 or by email at jeffrey. mora@lakecountyca.gov.