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Friday, October 2, 2026 at 7:39 PM

Body found in Churchill County identified as missing Lyon County woman

Body found in Churchill County identified as missing Lyon County woman

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter


A body found May 22 in Churchill County has been identified as a woman missing from Lyon County.


According to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, investigators searching for 25-year old Sara Arlene Filiatraut found the body in a remote area of Churchill County on May 22. The body was positively identified by the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.

LCSO had been searching for Filiatraut since April 15, after receiving a report of a missing person filed in Michigan for Filiatraut. Her family reported her last known location was in Lyon County on March 21.

The LCSO Investigations Division immediately began investigating the case and made locating Filiatraut their top priority. Over the course of approximately five weeks, detectives followed up on numerous investigative leads while hoping to find Filiatraut alive and well

On May 22, 2024, working on information they gained during the investigation, detectives from the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, along with detectives from the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office and members of Churchill County Search and Rescue, began a search in a remote area of Churchill County, where they found the body.

Because the remains were located in Churchill County, the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office began a death investigation. Final autopsy findings are currently pending; however, law enforcement is investigating this case as a homicide.

Both the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and Churchill County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Investigation Section, are investigating this case.

LCSO said in an effort to protect the integrity of the investigation, no further information will be released at this time.

Anyone who has information regarding the above investigation may contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division by email at [email protected] or by phone at (775) 463-6600, in reference to Case Number 24LY01479.

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Comment author: PFB Comment text: Why can't you guys find competent contractors.. For a large municipal facility like the indoor-outdoor Fernley Swimming Pool located at 300 Cottonwood Lane, a complete ground-up commercial build or major structural renovation typically spans 6 to 12 months or longer when factoring in large-scale engineering, public municipal permitting, specialized commercial HVAC/roofing, and health department inspections. The current renovation has been- The Fernley Swimming Pool has been closed for approximately six to seven months since late February 2026 for a major roof replacement and facility renovation. Now you sat October. Soooo 8 months for a new roof. The picture shows no other renovations. Comment publication date: 9/17/26, 7:14 PM Comment source: Electrical problem delays Fernley pool opening Comment author: P Comment text: Relative of the Mayor is to over see this site. Anyone who knows Fernley KNOWS this is more of the who you are related to and know business in this town. VOTE THEM ALL OUT AND THE CALIFORNIA TRANSPLANTS. Comment publication date: 9/16/26, 10:31 PM Comment source: Lift Station Failure Released Untreated Sewage 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