Defense Seeks Change of Venue for Filiatraut Murder Trial

Robert Richards appeared on March 30 with defense attorney Kale Mackenzie Brock in Lyon County’s Third Judicial District Court before Judge Leon Aberasturi for a status hearing.

Richards is charged in connection with the March 2024 death of 25-year-old Sara Filiatraut after investigators with the Lyon and Churchill County sheriff’s offices located her body in May 2024, after she was reported missing from Fernley. She was found in a remote desert pit about 30 miles east of Fallon. The Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death a homicide.

Judge Aberasturi said a criminal settlement conference is scheduled for July. At that time, both parties will present their cases to an out-of-district senior district court judge. If the matter is not resolved, the case is set for jury trial Oct. 27 through Nov. 6.

Brock told the court the defense intends to seek a change of venue, which would transfer the case to another county. Motions for change of venue must be filed in writing and include a supporting affidavit outlining the reasons for the request.

Aberasturi noted that changes of venue are rare and said it has been 12 years since he presided over such a hearing. He said any motion must be filed before the settlement conference, after which the court can schedule a change-of-venue hearing.

Richards was extradited from Utah in July 2024 after an extensive manhunt. He remains in custody on a no-bail hold at the Lyon County Jail.