Robert Matthew Richards has been ruled competent to stand trial for the murder of 25-year old
Sara Filiatraut in March of 2024.
Third Judicial District Court Judge Leon Aberasturi accepted the reports of two doctors who
concluded that Richards is competent to proceed to trial. During a hearing August 4, after
announcing that both evaluations found Richards competent, Aberasturi asked if there was any
argument, but attorney Kale Brock, representing Richards, said no and asked that the case be
remanded back to Canal Township Justice Court for further proceedings.
Aberasturi explained to Richards that the case will return to Justice Court for a preliminary
hearing, during which a Justice Court judge will determine whether there is enough evidence for
the case to move forward in the judicial process. Richards also has the right to waive his
preliminary hearing, in which case the matter will return to District Court where he can plead not
guilty and go to trial, or plead guilty and face a substantial prison sentence.
The finding of competency means that the evaluations determined that the defendant understands
the nature of the criminal charges against him; has an understanding of the nature and purpose of
court proceedings, and that he has the ability to aid and assist counsel in his defense within a
reasonable degree of rational understanding.
In June, Richards waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Canal Township Justice Court and
Justice of the Peace Lori Matheus issued an Order of Commitment, sending the case to Third
Judicial District Court, where the competency evaluation was ordered. He will again have the
right to waive his right to a preliminary hearing.
Sara Filiatraut's father reported her missing on April 15, 2024. Lyon County Sheriff’s
investigators later learned she had not been seen or active online since March 21.
On May 23, 2024, her body was found in a pit in a remote desert location east of Fallon. The
discovery of her body came after a deep technological dive into Sara's and Richard's devices by
investigators, and a multi-agency search on the ground.
Richards had been arrested weeks earlier, on April 8, in an unrelated case alleging sexual assault
and solicitation. Judge Matheus released him on his own recognizance under enhanced
supervision. At that time, Sara had not been reported missing, and authorities had not yet
connected Richards to Sara's disappearance.
Following the discovery of Sara's remains, investigators interviewed Richards on May 27, 2024.
Court documents report that he admitted he had been with Sara the night of March 22 but
claimed she left his trailer. A warrant was issued, and a multistate manhunt ensued. Richards was
apprehended in Utah and extradited to Nevada last November. The Lyon County District
Attorney’s Office formally filed murder charges on July 25, 2024, following the conclusion that
there was sufficient evidence to proceed.
He remains in custody with no bail.
Comment
Comments