Lyon County investigators arrest man for open murder, arson in death of Fernley woman
A man was arrested Sunday for suspicion of open murder and arson following an investigation into a fire intentionally set at a Fernley residence Saturday in which a woman was found dead, according to the Lyon County Sheriff's Office.
Roger Lee Borud was booked on the charges after LCSO, Nevada State Fire Marshal and Washoe County investigators determined that the fire Saturday that killed Borud's girlfriend, identified as Sephra Fitak, was intentionally set to cover up the crime.
According to a news release, on Saturday at 11:08 a.m. Lyon County Sheriff's Office deputies and fire personnel were dispatched to 320 Aspen Way in Fernley for a report of a structure fire.
A fire was located isolated in a bedroom of the residence. The fire was extinguished by fire personnel. Once the fire was extinguished, a deceased female, who was later identified as Sephra Fitak, was located in the bedroom, the release states.
The Lyon County Sheriff's Office Investigation division, along with Nevada State Fire Marshal investigators and Washoe County Sheriff's Office forensic investigators responded to the scene. The investigation determined that Sephra Fitak had been the victim of homicide. The fire had been intentionally set in an attempt to conceal the crime, officials said.
Sephra Fitak's boyfriend, Roger Lee Borud, was identified as the suspect. He was arrested by Lyon County Sheriff's deputies Saturday for alleged burglary, home invasion and and probation violation in an un-related investigation.
On Sunday, the Lyon County Sheriff's Office booked Borud for suspicion of open murder and first degree arson, officials said.
Anyone with information regarding the homicide and arson should contact the Lyon County Sheriff's Office at 775-463-6620 or by email, detective@lyon-county.org. Reference Lyon County Case Number 23LY03074.
Callers may also remain anonymous by contacting Secret Witness at https://secretwitness.com/ or by text or phone at 775-322-4900.