Fernley woman arrested on suspicion of murder

A 44-year-old Fernley woman was arrested Saturday on suspicion of murder.

According to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and medical personnel were dispatched to 1680 Andy Way, Fernley, at 6:17 p.m. for a report of a shooting. The reporting person, identified as Jaime Barber, 44, reported that her ex-husband, 28 year old Austyn Barber had broken into her home and attacked her. Jaime reported that she had shot Austyn and had fled to a nearby neighbor’s residence. 

Deputies and medical personnel arrived on scene and located Austyn inside the residence.  Austyn had suffered a single gunshot wound to the chest. CPR and lifesaving steps were unsuccessful.

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division along with Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Investigators responded to the scene to conduct an investigation. The investigation determined that Austyn and Jaime, although going through a divorce, are still married. Both Austyn and Jaime had a legal right to be inside the residence.

There was no evidence discovered that would lead a reasonable person to believe that Jaime was attacked or that her life was being threatened in a manner that justified the use of deadly force. Jaime was arrested and booked into the Lyon County Jail for NRS 200.010 Open Murder and NRS 200.481 Battery with a Deadly Weapon.

Anyone who has information regarding the homicide are urged to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office at 775-463-6620 or by email at detective@lyon-county.org. Reference Lyon County Case Number 23LY03577.

Callers also may remain anonymous by contacting Secret Witness at https://secretwitness.com/ or by text or phone at 775-322-4900.

A Go Fund Me account has been set up for Austyn Barber's family to assist with memorial services: https://www.gofundme.com/f/austyn-barber?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unknown&utm_campaign=comms_4xjm+austyn-barber.