Leanna Lehman
Robert Matthew Richards, currently in custody at the Lyon County Jail, appeared in Fernley's Canal Township Justice Court in Fernley on March 18 for a status hearing before Judge Lori Matheus. Richards is charged in connection with the March 2024 death of 25-year-old Sara Filiatraut.
During the hearing, Patrick Mansfield, Esq., Richards' appointed counsel, informed the court that a new material witness had come forward. Mansfield explained that this individual presented a conflict of interest, and he could no longer represent Richards. Mansfield requested the case be reassigned to Kale Mackenzie Brock, Esq., also of Walther, Mansfield, Brock, and Mayo, PLLC.
The investigation into Sara's disappearance began on April 15, 2024, after her father reported he had been unable to reach her and that she had not posted on social media since March 21—behavior he said was unlike her.
Following an extensive effort by Lyon and Churchill County sheriff's deputies and a LSCO technological deep dive into both Sara and Richards' movements, Sara's body was discovered May 23 in a pit in a remote desert area roughly 30 miles east of Fallon. The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner's Office ruled her death a homicide. Investigators believe she was killed sometime on or about March 23.
On April 8—before Sara was reported missing—Richards was arrested in an unrelated case involving allegations of sexual assault and solicitation of prostitution. He was booked into the Lyon County Jail on a combined bail of $101,140.
According to court documents, deputies were dispatched to Richards' residence after a woman—who had previously interacted with Richards as an escort—called 911. She reported that he was attempting to sexually assault her and that she had locked herself in the bathroom. She later told officers that Richards said he "liked it rough."
At the time of their initial response, deputies observed injuries on both individuals but did not make an arrest. The woman later re-contacted dispatch and met with responding officers. "I immediately observed [the victim] to be shaken and distraught," one deputy wrote. "She showed me both of her wrists and forearms, and both had multiple bruises and redness."
According to her statement, which she maintained throughout the investigation, she told Richards she was not consenting to any sexual activity. She reported that he became increasingly aggressive, grabbed her by the neck, and attempted to prevent her from leaving. She said he eventually covered her mouth and nose and said she was "not going anywhere." Richards later denied the allegations and told investigators the encounter was consensual.
Richards was arraigned on April 10, pleaded not guilty, and was released by Judge Matheus on his own recognizance under enhanced supervision. At that time, authorities were still unaware that Sara was missing—or that they may have briefly held a man suspected of a future capital offense.
Richards appeared via Zoom on April 30 for a pretrial hearing in the sexual assault and solicitation case. Matheus continued the matter to allow him time to retain private counsel.
On May 23, investigators found Sara's remains, and her death was ruled a homicide. Investigators contacted Richards by phone. In a brief interview on May 27, he admitted he had been with Sara the night of March 22 but said she left his trailer. Later that day, his employer contacted investigators and reported that Richards had said he was under investigation for murder, was not returning to work, and was "bailing out."
Despite these developments, Richards again appeared via Zoom on May 28, though still without legal representation.
On June 18, Richards failed to appear for his pretrial hearing, and his whereabouts were unknown. A multistate manhunt was already underway as Richards had fled Nevada. The court assigned his case to Mansfield on July 3. By that point, the Lyon County District Attorney's Office had filed additional charges for failures to appear (FTA). By July 25, the DA levied murder charges against Richards as investigators concluded they had sufficient evidence to believe he was responsible for Sara's death.
Upon extradition from Utah in November, Richards has been since arraigned, denied bail, and reassigned counsel. He remains in custody as his defense team reviews the evidence.
Though the charges are severe and the loss of life devastating, it is crucial to note that Robert Richards has pleaded not guilty nor been found guilty of any offense. He remains presumed innocent until proven guilty and is entitled to due process protections under the law.
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