DNA, forensic genealogy resolves Fernley missing person case

By Robert Perea

What Lyon County Sheriff’s detectives initially thought were two separate investigations turned out to be the same case when DNA testing proved an unidentified body found in January 2025 was actually a local man who had been missing since 2022. 

Advanced forensic genealogy determined that skeletonized remains found Jan. 7, 2025 by a person walking on a nature trail in a wooded area south of Farm District Road were those of Ronald John Littley, who disappeared from his Dixie Lane home in September 2022. The remains were found in a wooded area about a half-mile west of the intersection of Farm District Road and U.S. 50A .

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office announced July 22 that it had positively identified the skeletonized remains as Littley, who had been last seen at his home on Sept. 19, 2022. On Sept. 22, 2022, LCSO deputies conducted a welfare check at his home after concerns were raised about his well-being. His personal belongings, including his vehicles, were at the home, which led investigators to believe he left the area on foot.

Because of concerns related to Littley’s medical and mental health history, he was entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as an endangered missing person. Deputies and detectives conducted follow-up checks, neighborhood canvasses, and coordination with family members and other agencies. Despite these efforts, no confirmed sightings or leads were developed. 

In early January this year, LCSO issued a statement that it was still actively investigating Littley’s disappearance. When the skeletal remains were found in January 2025, and again when it issued its statement in January this year, LCSO said detectives did not believe the remains were those of Littley. 

At that time, LCSO said the remains were believed to be of a man between 5’6” to 5’10” and less than 70 years old. The person was wearing sweatpants, a medium sized Starter jacket, a dark blue XL long-sleeve Faded Glory brand shirt, knit beanie hat and a blue George brand XL jacket, with khaki Dickies brand pants and brown tennis shoes.

When Littley disappeared, he was described as a White male, born Sept. 10, 1969, approximately 6’1” and 185 pounds.

In January 2026, LCSO Chief Deputy Mitch Brantingham said detectives were using DNA to try to identify the remains, but the case was on a waiting list because active criminal cases take priority, and the medical examiner had ruled the cause of death appeared to be from natural causes. 

But Brantingham said detectives began to change their minds earlier this spring when they began getting DNA results.

“As they kept working it, they found some DNA and things that changed that,” he said. “His physical description had altered a lot.”

In their July 22 announcement, LCSO said it partnered with the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner's Office, Wolf Pack DNA, and Bode Technology to utilize investigative genetic genealogy to try to identify the remains. DNA from the remains was analyzed by Bode Technology, which developed a genetic profile suitable for investigative genetic genealogy. Wolf Pack DNA then conducted extensive genealogical research that identified Littley as the likely individual. That identification was subsequently confirmed through traditional forensic identification methods.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Lyon County Sheriff's Office Investigations Division at (775) 463-6600.