The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office has positively identified human remains recovered in the Fernley area in January 2025 as Ronald John Littley, a Fernley resident who had been reported missing since September 2022.
On January 7, 2025, skeletonized human remains were discovered in a wooded area approximately one-half mile west of the intersection of Farm District Road and U.S. Highway 50A in Fernley. The remains were located approximately 120 feet south of Farm District Road in a wooded area adjacent to a nature trail.
At the time of the discovery, investigators were unable to determine the identity of the deceased through traditional investigative methods.
Following an extensive investigation, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, Wolf Pack DNA, and Bode Technology to utilize investigative genetic genealogy in an effort to identify the remains.
DNA extracted from the remains was analyzed by Bode Technology, which developed a genetic profile suitable for investigative genetic genealogy.
Wolf Pack DNA then conducted extensive genealogical research that identified Ronald John Littley as the likely individual.
The identification was subsequently confirmed through traditional forensic identification methods.
Littley was last seen at his residence in Fernley on September 19, 2022. On September 22, 2022, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a welfare check at his residence after concerns were raised for his well-being.
Deputies located his vehicles and personal belongings at the residence, leading investigators to believe he had left the area on foot.
Due to concerns regarding his medical and mental health, Littley was entered into the National Crime Information Center as an endangered missing person.
Over the following years, investigators conducted numerous follow-up investigations, coordinated with Littley’s family, searched the surrounding area, and worked with partner agencies in an effort to locate him.
Despite those efforts, his whereabouts remained unknown until the discovery of the remains in January 2025.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, Wolf Pack DNA, and Bode Technology for their professionalism, expertise and collaboration throughout this investigation. Their combined efforts were instrumental in successfully identifying the remains and providing long-awaited answers to Littley’s family.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to Littley’s family and friends during this difficult time. Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at (775) 463-6600.
