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Friday, November 13, 2026 at 6:21 AM

Richards Murder Case Moves Toward Settlement Conference

Today, 05:00 AM
Leanna Lehman
Richards Murder Case Moves Toward Settlement Conference
Robert Richards. Photo courtesy of Churchill County Sheriff’s Office.

Robert Matthew Richards, charged with open murder in connection with the March 2024 death of 25-year-old Sara Filiatraut, appeared in custody before Judge Thomas Stockard in Tenth Judicial District Court on Nov. 3.

The case, previously heard in Lyon County, was transferred to Churchill County in September, where proceedings continued in New River Township Justice Court before moving to District Court. The Nov. 3 hearing marked Richards' first appearance in Churchill County District Court.

Richards faces one count of open murder, a Category A felony, under NRS 200.010 and NRS 200.030. According to the information filed Oct. 13, prosecutors allege Richards killed Filiatraut on or about March 22, 2024, in Churchill County. The charging document alleges Filiatraut died from strangulation and/or blunt force trauma.

The Nov. 3 court calendar listed Richards for arraignment. According to the hearing minutes, the court discussed a settlement conference, and both parties expressed interest. Judge Stockard reviewed Rule 252 with Richards and explained the next steps in the proceedings.

Judge Brice Shields was assigned to facilitate the settlement conference, which is scheduled for Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m. A settlement conference allows the prosecution and defense to discuss a possible resolution of the case, including a negotiated plea agreement, without proceeding to trial.

The hearing minutes do not document a plea entered by Richards, and the available District Court docket summary does not list a trial date.

The investigation into Filiatraut's disappearance began April 15, 2024, after her father reported he had been unable to reach her and that she had not been active on social media since March 21. Following an investigation involving Lyon and Churchill County sheriff's deputies, her remains were discovered May 23 in a remote desert area approximately 30 miles east of Fallon. The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner's Office ruled her death a homicide.

Richards later left Nevada while investigators were pursuing the case, prompting a multistate search. Murder charges were filed against him in July 2024, and he was extradited from Utah that November.

The case remains pending in District Court. Richards is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Upload date: 11/13/2026 05:00 AM
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