Richard Shifflet.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the identification of human skeletal remains found earlier this year as those of Richard Shifflet, 75, of Dayton who was reported missing in October 2022.
On the evening of Oct. 3, 2022, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office received a report that Shifflet had not returned home from a walk earlier that day. Shifflet, who suffered from various health issues including dementia and a history of strokes, was classified as a missing and endangered person. LCSO immediately launched search efforts, issuing a Code Red activation in the Dayton area.
Extensive searches were conducted by the LCSO Search and Rescue team with support from the Regional Aviation Enforcement Unit (RAVEN) of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. The search included ground operations and aerial surveillance using infrared-equipped drones and the
RAVEN helicopter. Despite these efforts, search teams were unable to locate Shifflet.
For nearly three weeks, search operations continued with assistance from the Douglas County and Carson City Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue units. Ground searches, K9 units and aerial support were employed, but Shifflet could not be found.
On May 27, 2024, hikers discovered potential human skeletal remains in a remote area near US 50 and Baldwin Lane in Dayton. The LCSO, with support from the Nevada State Police Investigations Division, processed the scene and collected evidence. The remains were then transferred to the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office for further examination.
On Nov. 14, the LCSO received DNA confirmation identifying Shifflet’s remains. At this time, no foul play is suspected; however, the cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation by the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the LCSO at 775-463-6600 or via email at detective@lyon-county.org, referencing case numbers 22LY04152 or 24LY04152.