Richards' Preliminary Hearing Date Set in Filiatraut Murder Case

Robert Matthew Richards, currently in custody at the Lyon County Jail, appeared in Canal Township Justice Court in Fernley on Tuesday, December 31, before Judge Lori Matheus on charges of First-Degree Murder.

Richards is alleged to have killed 25-year-old Sara Filiatraut, pictured right, who went missing from Fernley last March. Upon receiving a missing person's report in April, Lyon and Churchill County Sheriff's Offices began searching for Sara, which ultimately led to the discovery of her body, which had been left in a remote pit area in the desert east of Fallon.

In Nevada, Murder in the First Degree is a Category A Felony and may call for the death penalty if the "aggravating circumstances outweigh the mitigating circumstances." Otherwise, First-Degree Murder is punishable by life in prison, with or without the possibility of parole after 20 years, or 50 years in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years.

Denied bail during his November 29 court appearance, Richards and appointed public defender Patrick Mansfield were present via Zoom for a status hearing. Mansfield told the court he was waiting on reports related to the case and requested that the court set out a preliminary 90 days. Richards previously waived his right to a preliminary hearing within 15 days.

During his November 29 appearance, Lyon County District Attorney Stephen Rye referred to a pending sexual assault case (24CR-00152) involving Richards. According to court records, Richards was booked into the Lyon County Jail on April 8 for sexual assault unrelated to the alleged murder. The December 31 Justice Court calendar did not include an appearance for that charge. However, case 24CR-00151 was on the calendar, citing a charge of Engaging in or Soliciting Prostitution in connection to that case. The court took no action on that matter during the proceedings.

Judge Matheus scheduled Richards' preliminary hearing for April 3, which will likely take most of the day. The court also set a status hearing for March 18 to review the matter before Richards' April 3 appearance.

Richards remains in custody at the Lyon County Jail in Yerington on a no-bail hold.

Other related stories:

Finding Sara - Technology Trail Through the Nevada Desert Helps Bring Murder Victim Home  By Leanna Lehman 12/13/24

Denied Bail in Filiatraut Murder Case, Richards Facing Unrelated Sexual Assault Charge 11/27/24

Court Hearing for Murder Suspect in Filiatraut Case Set for Nov. 19 11/21/23 (Robert)

Murder Suspect Fighting Extradition (Robert Perea) 8/23/24 

Arrest Made in Murder of Missing Woman (Robert Perea) 7/31/24

Body found in Churchill County Identified as Missing Lyon County Woman (Robert)  5/31/24