NATHAN BACA
I-TEAM INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER
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Nathan Baca joined 8 News Now in February 2010. A native Californian, he is a graduate of the University of La Verne. His family has lived in Southern Nevada since 2001. Nathan's father lives in Henderson, his mother lives in Pahrump.
In 2005, Nathan began reporting KESQ-TV covering Palm Springs and the California desert cities. Before that, he worked an assignment editor at KMIR-TV.
Nathan was awarded a 2009 regional Investigative Reporting Emmy for his series "The Octopus Murders." His segments continued the work of fallen journalist Danny Casolaro investigating a 1981 triple murder cold case. Nathan's stories connected the murders with weapons manufacturing deals between California Indian tribes, security contractors, Central American governments and the CIA. After his reporting, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department made their first arrest, 28 years after the triple murder.
Nathan's most wide-spread investigation focused on allegations of mental and physical abuse suffered by employees of the Church of Scientology, headquartered in San Jacinto, California. His 11-part series, "Scientology vs. Anonymous" gained worldwide attention with the first on-camera acknowledgement by a Scientology official of the church's confidential origin theology. He is continuing his investigation into the Scientology's fundraising methods and command structure.
At 8 News Now, one of Nathan's first series covered the 2010 U.S. Senate race. His efforts to get candidate Sharron Angle to explain policy positions gained nationwide political attention. He joined the 8 News Now I-Team November 2011.
Also in November 2011, Nathan married his wife Sindy, a doctor in Organizational Leadership. They enjoy hiking Red Rock and miss California's vineyards and wineries. Both love Las Vegas' vibrant city life and lack of Los Angeles' bumper to bumper traffic.
Nathan enjoys writing, with his first book "Westwinds" published in 2001. His favorite music is jazz, and Nathan will debate anyone who doesn't think that Miles Davis was the greatest musician that ever lived.
Nathan posts what story he's working on every day on Twitter @NathanBacaNews
