Lyon County D.A.: Man arrested on open murder for 2016 Reno homicide won't face charges

A man arrested for his alleged role in the 2016 killing of a Reno woman won’t face any charges, according to the Lyon County District Attorney’s Office.

Robert Paul Eikelberger, 41, was initially booked in late February on open murder at the Washoe County jail. His arrest was in connection to the death of Sierra Ceccarelli.

Once Eikelberger was arrested, the case was handed over to the Lyon County District Attorney’s Office over concerns of a possible conflict of interest.

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“After reviewing the reports and information related to the case, the Lyon County District Attorney’s Office decided not to file charges in the case at this time,” officials said in a news release late Thursday afternoon. “This does not preclude further review or consideration of the case at a later date.”

According to spokeswoman Michelle Bays, Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks determined there may be a conflict of interest with his department because his extended family has a relationship with Eikelberger’s extended family.

Bays said the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office cannot provide further comment and referred any questions to Lyon County prosecutors and the Reno Police Department.

Lyon County officials released the following statement on Thursday:

“The Lyon County District Attorney’s Office, Washoe County District Attorney’s Office and Reno Police Department are not in a position to discuss the facts of the case or the status of the investigation at this time, other than to confirm that an investigation into the matter continues. Release of information related to a pending investigation may compromise the integrity of the investigation. It is also necessary that all of these agencies protect the rights of the victim and the victim’s family, and all persons involved in the case. For all these reasons, additional information regarding the facts and status of the investigation cannot be provided at this time.”

Several attempts at reaching both Reno police investigators and Chief Deputy District Attorney Jeremy Reichenberg, who took over the case, have been unsuccessful over the past week.

Check with RGJ for more updates as they become available.