Executive Summary
- Luis Ibarra, 44, was indicted by a Washoe County grand jury on an open murder charge.
- The charge stems from the October 2023 stabbing death of his girlfriend, Yadira Cano.
- Sparks Police discovered the victim after a welfare check requested by her family.
- Ibarra is currently being held without bail following the indictment.
A Washoe County grand jury has indicted a Sparks man on an open murder charge connected to the stabbing death of his girlfriend more than two years ago. Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks announced the indictment of 44-year-old Luis Ibarra this week following a daylong presentation of evidence.
According to the District Attorney’s office, Ibarra is charged with the murder of Yadira Cano, 40, who was the mother of his two children. Following the grand jury’s decision, a no-bail hold was placed on Ibarra, ensuring he remains in custody as the legal proceedings advance.
The investigation began on October 23, 2023, when Sparks Police officers responded to a residence on Boise Drive. Law enforcement officials stated that Cano’s sister had requested a welfare check after Cano missed a scheduled meeting and failed to return phone calls. Upon entering the home, officers discovered Cano’s body. Police reports confirmed she had sustained multiple stab wounds.
Ibarra was taken into custody shortly after the discovery and was initially held without bail while detectives built their case. District Attorney Hicks commended the Sparks Police Department for their “diligent work in this difficult case,” emphasizing his office’s commitment to holding the defendant accountable.
Procedural Next Steps
The return of an indictment by the grand jury signals a critical transition in the judicial process, moving the case from investigation to prosecution. By utilizing an “Open Murder” charge, Nevada prosecutors retain the legal option to pursue a conviction for either first-degree or second-degree murder, contingent upon the evidence of premeditation established at trial. As the case proceeds to arraignment, the judicial focus will shift to pre-trial motions and evidence discovery. It is important to note that all individuals, including Mr. Ibarra, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
