Lyon County DA issues statement on Washoe County homicide case

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

Lyon County District Attorney Steve Rye has issued a statement on a Washoe County homicide case in which his office was asked to assist, but in which it has not filed charges.

On Feb. 23, 2018, Reno Police Department arrested Robert Paul Eikelberger of Reno, on the charge of murder with the use of deadly weapon, a felony in violation of NRS 200.010 and 193.165.  According to a Reno Police Department report, police responded to a home in South Reno after a 911 call the night of Dec. 9, 2016. Officers found Sierra Ceccarelli shot dead inside the home.

After Eikelberger was arrested, the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office requested the assistance of the Lyon County District Attorney’s Office in handling the case due to a potential conflict.

Rye said that after reviewing the reports and information related to the case, the Lyon County District Attorney’s Office decided not to file charges in the case at this time. He said this does not preclude further review or consideration of the case at a later date.

“The Lyon County District Attorney’s Office, Washoe County District Attorney’s Office and Reno Police Department are not in a position to discuss the facts of the case or the status of the investigation at this time, other than to confirm that an investigation into the matter continues,” Rye said. “Release of information related to a pending investigation may compromise the integrity of the investigation. It is also necessary that all of these agencies protect the rights of the victim and the victim’s family, and all persons involved in the case.”

Rye went on to say that for all these reasons, additional information regarding the facts and status of the investigation cannot be provided at this time.

“The Lyon County District Attorney’s Office will continue to assist the Reno Police Department and Washoe County District Attorney’s Office as needed,” Rye said. “As further public information becomes available, one of all of the involved agencies will provide that information to the public.”