Woman claiming self-defense charged with murder

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

A woman who claimed she shot her ex-husband in self defense was arrested Sunday night on a murder charge.

Jaime Barber, 44, was charged with open murder and battery with a deadly weapon after shooting Austyn Barber, 28, in their home at 1680 Andy Way.

According to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and medical personnel were dispatched to the house at 6:17 p.m., where Jaime Barber said that Austyn Barber had broken into her home and attacked her. She said that she had shot Austyn and fled to a neighbor’s house.

Austyn Barber suffered a single gunshot wound to his chest and life-saving efforts were unsuccessful.

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office investigations division along with Washoe County Sheriff’s Office forensic investigators responded to the scene to conduct an investigation. The investigation determined that Austyn and Jaime, although going through a divorce, are still married. Both Austyn and Jaime had a legal right to be inside the residence.

Sheriff Brad Pope said there was no evidence discovered that would lead a reasonable person to believe that Jaime was attacked or that her life was being threatened in a manner that justified the use of deadly force. Jaime was arrested and booked into the Lyon County Jail.

Anyone who has information regarding the Homicide are urged to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office at (775) 463-6620 or by email at detective@lyon-county.org. Reference Lyon County Case Number 23LY03577.

Callers may also remain anonymous by contacting Secret Witness at https://secretwitness.com/ or by text or phone at (775) 322-4900.