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Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 11:30 AM

Woman claiming self-defense charged with murder

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 [email protected]. 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.


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Comment author: Christopher Walsh Comment text: Could you look into the strong recurring smell around Fernley? It smells like sewage and it can be bad enough that people don’t want to be outside or open their windows. It would be helpful to get an investigative journalist help the Fernley residents get a clear answer from the City, NDEP, and any involved facilities. I was really disappointed that the smell was not disclosed by my realtor when I moved here. I enjoy Fernley and am seeing the improvements that are being made. With Appreciation Comment publication date: 9/12/26, 2:49 PM Comment source: Sewage spill near City of Fernley Municipal Well 9 Comment author: Alicia Euresti Comment text: We are all so blessed to have Pastor Matt and Mrs. Regina in this town. They have become a major part of pur family and our children adore them. Thank you both for all you do for qll of us. We love you!!!! Comment publication date: 9/6/26, 9:24 PM Comment source: Fascinating Fernley: Meet Your Neighbors at Living Faith Food Pantry Comment author: R Conley Comment text: Is the deputy receiving any additional training or reinforcing prior training? Comment publication date: 9/5/26, 10:08 AM Comment source: Inmate escapes from Fernley substation Comment author: Kayla Allen Comment text: Suzie was a wonderful woman. I was pleased to call her my "godmother" as she helped me to become a better version of myself. I think about her a lot. Comment publication date: 7/10/26, 8:31 PM Comment source: Susanne Lynn Foster Comment author: Sheena Nash Comment text: After the trivia night is over, I would love for you to print the questions. I grew up in Fernley and would be interested to see how many answers I know. The coin is beautiful. Congrats on 25 years as a city! Comment publication date: 6/22/26, 1:38 PM Comment source: City of Fernley planning 25th anniversary celebration with three days of community events C Comment author: Carl C. Hagen Comment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion. Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AM Comment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-ramp