06/03/2026
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the homicide that occurred on June 1, 2026, in Fernley, Nevada.
The victim has been identified as 45-year-old Fernley resident Richard Allen Hightower.
As previously released, investigators identified 40-year-old Fernley resident Jeremy Barrett as the shooter and 44-year-old Fernley resident James Edward Karol as an involved suspect. Both suspects have since been taken into custody.
Both Barrett and Karol were charged with Open Murder and remain in the Lyon County with No Bail.
This investigation resulted in a significant and rapid law enforcement response throughout Lyon County. Through the coordinated efforts of responding agencies and Lyon County Sheriff’s Office personnel, all suspects were identified, located, and taken into custody within approximately four hours of the initial call for service.
Over 50% of the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office sworn personnel were mobilized and responded during the incident and subsequent manhunt operations. Responding personnel included deputies and supervisors from the Northern, Southern, Central, and Western Command patrol areas, members of the Detention Division, the Investigations Division including the Special Investigations Unit and Major Crimes Unit, the LCSO K9 Unit, the LCSO SWAT Team, and members of the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Administration.
Additionally, approximately 75% of the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Communications Division assisted in managing the incident response. Lyon County Emergency Services personnel also responded in support of the operation.
This remains an active investigation. Additional information may be released as it becomes available.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at (775) 577-5206 or by email at [email protected]. Please reference case number 26LY02167.
