The Lyon County Sheriff's Office has identified human remains that were found in the Fernley area in January of 2025.
They've identified the remains as Ronald John Littley, a Fernley man 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.
At the time, investigators were unable to determine the identity of the person through traditional investigative methods.
The Lyon County Sheriff's Office partnered with the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner's Office, Wolf Pack DNA, and Bode Technology 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 then confirmed through traditional forensic identification methods.
Littley was last seen at his home in Fernley on September 19, 2022. On September 22, 2022, Lyon County deputies conducted a welfare check after concerns were raised for his well-being.
Deputies found 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 (NCIC) as an endangered missing person.
Over the following years, investigators conducted numerous follow-up investigations.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Lyon County Sheriff's Office Investigations Division at (775) 463-6600.
