Lyon County Sheriff: Human remains identified as missing Dayton man
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 11/18/2024 - 11:29am
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the identification of human skeletal remains found earlier this year as those of 75-year-old Richard Shifflet, a Dayton resident who was reported missing in October 2022.
On the evening of October 3, 2022, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office received a report that Mr. Shifflet had not returned home from a walk earlier that day. Mr. Shifflet, who suffered from various health issues including dementia and a history of strokes, was classified as a missing and endangered person. The Sheriff’s Office immediately launched search efforts, issuing a Code Red Activation for the Dayton area.
Extensive searches were conducted by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team, with support from the Regional Aviation Enforcement Unit (R.A.V.E.N.) of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. The search included ground operations and aerial surveillance utilizing infrared-equipped drones and the R.A.V.E.N. helicopter. Despite these efforts, search teams were unable to locate Mr. 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 Mr. Shifflet could not be found.
On May 27, 2024, hikers discovered potential human skeletal remains in a remote area near U.S. Highway 50 and Baldwin Lane in Dayton. The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, 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 November 14, 2024, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office received DNA confirmation identifying the remains as those of Mr. Richard Shifflet. 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 Lyon County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to Mr. Shifflet’s family and friends during this difficult time. The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office at 775-463-6600 or via email at detective@lyon-county.org, referencing Case Numbers 22LY04152 or 24LY04152.
