Moon Palace: A Collision of Secrets

Chapter 1: The Night Everything Changed

It was a brisk March evening in Richland, Washington, the kind that signals winter’s end but still chills the air. Jose Sanchez, a 20-year-old with a love for motorcycles, asked his stepfather for permission to take a quick ride around the neighborhood. He’d recently graduated high school and was working at a local food processing company, saving for a future that now stretched before him.

At the same time, Sarah Clayson, a 35-year-old Washington State Patrol trooper and public information officer, was off duty. According to her later statements to police, she was picking up a pizza for her family. Her route took her westbound on State Route 240, approaching the intersection with Village Parkway—the turn to her own neighborhood.

Police reconstruction would later reveal the sequence: Clayson entered the left turn lane, preparing to turn onto Village Parkway. Jose was traveling eastbound, his motorcycle approaching the same intersection. As Clayson began her turn, Jose slammed on his brakes, veering desperately to avoid her vehicle. Skid marks on the pavement told the story—he tried, but it wasn’t enough.

The collision was violent. The front of Clayson’s SUV struck Jose’s motorcycle, wedging it beneath the passenger side. Jose was thrown into the roadway. Clayson called 911, her voice calm, perhaps confused about the severity of what had happened.

First responders arrived to find Clayson performing CPR on Jose, blood pooling on the highway. Medics took over, rushing Jose to the hospital, but his injuries were catastrophic: severe head trauma, internal injuries, a likely femoral artery bleed. He was pronounced dead not long after.

Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Because the suspected driver was an off-duty state trooper, Washington State Patrol handed the investigation to Richland Police to avoid any conflict of interest. Officer Steve Hyde led the inquiry, noting signs of potential impairment in Clayson. He asked her to perform field sobriety tests, but she refused.

After a lengthy on-scene investigation, Hyde informed Clayson that she was under arrest. She reconsidered her refusal, offering to take a voluntary breath test, but by then, the procedure required a search warrant for a blood draw.

The results were damning: Sarah Clayson’s blood alcohol content was .175%—more than twice the legal limit. She was charged with vehicular homicide and pleaded not guilty.

But for prosecutors, a critical piece of the puzzle remained: where had Clayson been drinking that night, and for how long?

Chapter 3: Moon Palace Under the Microscope

Detectives traced Clayson’s steps to a local bar: the Moon Palace. Newly released body cam footage would later reveal the tension and suspicion that unfolded as officers arrived at the establishment, search warrant in hand.

From the moment detectives entered, the manager appeared on edge. He called his attorney and began clearing customers out of the bar. When pressed for information about Clayson’s presence, he downplayed it: “She was here a long time ago.” Asked which employees were working on the night of March 1st, he refused to answer.

Detectives presented the search warrant and began their work. The manager’s reluctance was palpable, and the officers sensed resistance. They asked for receipts, financial documents, and ledger entries from the night of the crash. The manager produced a small stack of receipts—just two for the entire night.

For a busy Saturday, the volume seemed suspiciously low.

Chapter 4: Missing Records and Rising Tension

As detectives combed through the receipts, they pressed the manager: “Are you saying you only had two customers?” The manager insisted most people paid cash, and only tabs were recorded. But when asked for documentation of all transactions, he repeated that he kept no records of who was present.

The officers’ frustration grew. Boxes of receipts from other nights proved the bar did keep sales records. Why were there only two slips from the night of the crash?

The tension escalated. The manager hovered close, refusing to provide basic information about staff schedules or employees. Detectives suspected he might be obstructing the investigation. “You are going to be obstructing our investigation and you’ll be in handcuffs. Do you understand?” one officer warned.

The search became more comprehensive. Officers began looking for any other records, boxes, or storage areas that might reveal the truth.

Chapter 5: Contradictions and Confessions

During the search, another employee arrived. Detectives pulled her aside, and her account conflicted directly with the manager’s. She explained that every drink at the Moon Palace was documented on a ticket—unless a customer paid in cash immediately at the bar. She added that Sarah Clayson and her group were regulars, and there should absolutely be documentation of their orders from that night.

Her words cast doubt on the manager’s claims. The officers now had conflicting statements, boxes of older receipts, and an apparent gap in the records for the night of the crash.

The manager maintained his position, still refusing to clarify the contradictory accounts. Detectives discussed the possibility that receipts from the specific night might have been intentionally destroyed or hidden.

Chapter 6: The Search for Justice

Armed with conflicting statements and evidence of missing records, detectives called the judge to amend the search warrant in real time. They sought permission to seize receipts and documents from a wider date range, hoping to establish the bar’s normal recordkeeping practices and expose any tampering.

The investigation continued. For Sarah Clayson, the case moved toward trial. For Jose’s family, the pain was fresh and overwhelming, compounded by the slow, grinding process of justice.

As evidence mounted, the community watched anxiously. A respected trooper facing serious charges, a young life lost, and a local business under scrutiny—the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Chapter 7: The Web of Evidence

Detectives dug deeper, expanding the search for records at Moon Palace. The amended warrant allowed them to seize receipts and documents from December through March, hoping to uncover patterns or discrepancies. Boxes of receipts from other dates were found—neatly organized, clearly showing the bar kept records on most nights.

But March 1st was different. Only two receipts, both for small tabs, stood out in the pile. The absence was glaring. Investigators wondered: Was this an innocent oversight, or a deliberate attempt to erase evidence?

The manager, Brad, insisted nothing was destroyed. “Everything’s there,” he repeated, but his nervous demeanor and evasive answers fueled suspicion. Officers began to suspect that, whether intentionally or not, someone was hiding the truth.

Chapter 8: The Employee’s Testimony

Marian Stack Ali, a longtime server at Moon Palace, was candid with detectives. She explained the bar’s system: every drink was recorded on a ticket, unless paid immediately in cash. But for regulars—like Sarah Clayson and her group—tabs were common, and detailed records should exist.

Marian described Sarah as responsible and kind, never causing trouble. “If there’s any problems at all, Brad is like, ‘You’re out,’” she said, emphasizing the bar’s strict policies. Yet Marian was surprised by the lack of documentation for that night. “Absolutely there should be records,” she insisted.

Her account contradicted Brad’s, adding weight to the theory that something was missing.

Chapter 9: The Manager’s Dilemma

Brad’s reluctance to cooperate became the center of the investigation. Detectives pressed him for staff schedules, receipts, and any documentation from March 1st. He refused to name employees, citing privacy and legal concerns. Tension mounted as officers warned him about obstructing the investigation.

The search grew more exhaustive. Officers checked storage rooms, offices, and even garbage bins, looking for discarded receipts or hidden ledgers. Every discovery raised new questions. Why were records missing only on the night of the crash? Why did Marian’s story differ so sharply from Brad’s?

Detectives speculated: Had Brad been tipped off by his attorney? Was he trying to protect the bar, or someone else?

Chapter 10: The Community Reacts

News of the investigation spread quickly through Richland. The Moon Palace, once a quiet neighborhood bar, was now the subject of intense scrutiny. Regular patrons whispered about the police presence, while employees worried about their jobs and reputations.

Jose Sanchez’s family mourned his loss, struggling to understand how a routine ride could end in tragedy. The community rallied around them, offering support and demanding answers.

Sarah Clayson’s arrest shocked many. A respected trooper with 13 years of service, she was known for her professionalism and dedication. Her colleagues were stunned by the allegations, torn between loyalty and the pursuit of justice.

Chapter 11: The Legal Battle Begins

As the evidence was gathered, prosecutors prepared their case. The blood alcohol results were clear: Clayson had been drinking, and her level was over twice the legal limit. But to secure a conviction for vehicular homicide, they needed to prove where and when she had been drinking—and for how long.

The missing receipts and conflicting testimonies at Moon Palace became crucial. Prosecutors argued that the lack of documentation suggested intentional destruction of evidence, or at least a failure to follow standard procedures.

Defense attorneys countered, pointing to Brad’s claims of cash payments and informal recordkeeping. They argued that the absence of receipts did not prove wrongdoing, and that Clayson’s actions after the crash—calling 911, performing CPR—showed a lack of intent.

Chapter 12: The Search for Truth

Detectives continued their work, interviewing more employees and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses. They pieced together a timeline of Clayson’s movements, corroborating her presence at Moon Palace with witness statements and camera footage.

The investigation revealed gaps and inconsistencies, but also moments of clarity. Marian’s detailed account of the bar’s recordkeeping practices helped prosecutors build their narrative. Brad’s evasiveness cast doubt on the defense’s claims.

Ultimately, the case became a battle of credibility. Who would the jury believe: the manager protecting his business, or the longtime employee speaking openly?

Chapter 13: The Courtroom Drama

As winter faded into spring, the case of Trooper Sarah Clayson and the Moon Palace bar became the talk of Richland. The local courthouse brimmed with reporters, family members, and curious onlookers. The stakes were high—not just for Clayson, but for the reputation of law enforcement and the trust of the community.

Prosecutors opened with a stark narrative: a respected trooper, impaired behind the wheel, had made a fatal decision. They presented the blood alcohol results, the timeline of events, and the haunting 911 call where Clayson sounded calm, almost detached from the gravity of the moment.

The defense countered with Clayson’s service record, her immediate call for help, and her attempt to perform CPR. They argued that the missing receipts at Moon Palace were the result of a casual cash system, not a deliberate cover-up. They painted a picture of a tragic accident, not a crime.

Chapter 14: Testimony and Tension

Marian Stack Ali took the stand, her voice steady but emotional. She described the bar’s normal practices, the tickets for every drink, and her surprise at the lack of records for March 1st. Her testimony contradicted Brad’s, adding a layer of complexity to the prosecution’s case.

Brad, when called, remained evasive. He insisted he hadn’t destroyed any records, that cash payments were common, and that he simply didn’t keep track of every customer. His nervousness was palpable, and the jury watched him closely.

Other employees and regular patrons testified, describing Moon Palace as a place of strict rules but friendly faces. Some remembered Clayson as a responsible regular; others admitted they hadn’t noticed anything unusual that night.

Chapter 15: The Family’s Grief

Jose Sanchez’s family sat quietly in the courtroom, their loss visible in every gesture. His mother wept as the details of the crash were recounted. His stepfather spoke of Jose’s dreams, his work ethic, and his love of motorcycles.

The community’s support was unwavering. Fundraisers and memorial rides were organized in Jose’s honor. His friends shared stories of his kindness and ambition, turning their grief into a call for accountability.

Chapter 16: The Search for Motive

Outside the courtroom, speculation grew. Why had the records vanished on the night of the crash? Was Brad protecting his business, or someone else? Did Clayson’s regular visits mean she was given special treatment?

Detectives continued to dig, reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing more witnesses, and analyzing phone records. They found evidence of Clayson’s presence at Moon Palace, but the exact timeline remained elusive.

Prosecutors argued that the missing records pointed to a motive—someone wanted to hide how much Clayson had been drinking. The defense maintained there was no proof of intentional destruction, only a flawed system.

Chapter 17: The Jury’s Dilemma

The jury deliberated for days. The evidence was circumstantial but compelling. The blood alcohol level, the timeline, the missing receipts, and the conflicting testimonies painted a picture of uncertainty.

Some jurors sympathized with Clayson, seeing a dedicated officer who made a tragic mistake. Others focused on the facts—the high BAC, the refusal to cooperate with field sobriety tests, and the suspicious gaps in the bar’s records.

The tension in the courthouse was palpable. Families, reporters, and community members waited anxiously for a verdict.

Chapter 18: The Verdict

When the jury returned, the silence was deafening. The foreperson stood, voice steady, and delivered the verdict: guilty of vehicular homicide.

Clayson showed little emotion as the sentence was read. Her career, once marked by dedication and respect, had ended in tragedy. The Moon Palace bar faced its own reckoning, with investigators continuing to probe its recordkeeping practices.

Jose’s family embraced, tears flowing freely. Justice, in its imperfect way, had been served.

Chapter 19: The Aftermath

With the verdict delivered, the community of Richland was left to process the outcome. For some, justice had been served; for others, questions lingered. The Moon Palace bar, once a local gathering spot, now faced scrutiny from both law enforcement and the public. Investigators continued to review its business practices, and the manager Brad found himself under the watchful eye of state regulators.

Sarah Clayson awaited sentencing. Her career as a trooper was over, her reputation forever changed. She expressed remorse in a written statement, acknowledging the pain caused and the irreversible consequences of her actions. The court weighed her service record against the severity of the crime, balancing compassion with accountability.

Jose Sanchez’s family began the long journey of healing. They leaned on each other and the community, drawing strength from memorials and the outpouring of support. Jose’s story became a rallying cry for safer roads, responsible drinking, and honest business practices.

Chapter 20: Lessons and Legacy

The case reverberated beyond Richland. Law enforcement agencies across Washington State reviewed their protocols for off-duty conduct, and bars reconsidered their recordkeeping systems. The tragedy underscored the importance of transparency, integrity, and the duty of care owed by every business and public servant.

Local advocacy groups launched campaigns for stricter oversight of alcohol sales and better support for families affected by DUI crashes. At schools and community centers, Jose’s story was shared as a lesson in choices and consequences.

Moon Palace, under new scrutiny, implemented reforms. Employees underwent new training, and management pledged to maintain thorough records. The bar’s reputation, though bruised, slowly began to recover as it became a symbol of change rather than secrecy.

Chapter 21: Moving Forward

Sarah Clayson’s sentencing brought closure to the legal process, but not to the emotional wounds. She received a prison term, with the possibility of parole, and was ordered to participate in alcohol abuse counseling. Her family, too, faced the challenge of rebuilding their lives under the weight of public attention.

Jose’s family established a scholarship in his name for young people pursuing careers in automotive safety and community service. His friends organized annual motorcycle rides to promote safe driving and honor his memory.

Richland, once shaken by tragedy, found unity in compassion. The lessons learned from that fateful night—about responsibility, honesty, and community—would shape the future for years to come.

Chapter 22: Reflections

As the years passed, the story of Jose Sanchez and Sarah Clayson became more than a headline—it became a reminder. A reminder that every decision matters, that truth is worth fighting for, and that healing is possible even after the darkest moments.

The Moon Palace bar, once the center of suspicion, now stood as a place of remembrance and renewal. The community, having endured grief and controversy, emerged stronger, more vigilant, and more connected.

In the end, the tragedy was not just about a crash, a crime, or a courtroom drama. It was about people: their mistakes, their resilience, and their capacity for change.

Epilogue: A Call for Change

If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, stress, or loss, remember—help is available. Reach out to local support organizations or national hotlines. No one should face tragedy alone.

Jose’s legacy lives on in every act of kindness, every safe ride home, and every effort to build a more honest and caring community.