Barber released from jail as DA waits on charging decision

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

A woman who claimed she shot her ex-husband in self-defense was released from jail last week after the Lyon County District Attorney’s Office decided it needs more time to determine whether to prosecute her.

Canal Township Justice of the Peace Lori Matheus ordered that Jaime Barber be released from custody on Aug. 30, after the court was notified that the District Attorney’s Office would not be filing charges within 72 hours.

District Attorney Steve Rye said the DA’s Office made the determination not to file the complaint within 72 hours to allow some additional time for evidence and reports to be received before making a final charging decision. 

Barber was arrested Aug. 26 on charges of open murder and battery with a deadly weapon. She told deputies that her ex-husband, Austyn Barber, had broken into her home and attacked her. She said she shot him and then fled to a neighbor’s house.

Deputies said that Austyn and Jaime, although going through a divorce, were still married and that both Austyn and Jaime had a legal right to be inside the home. Sheriff’s deputies also said they found no evidence that Jaime Barber was attacked or that her life was being threatened in a manner that justified the use of deadly force.