Collision at Dusk: The Case of Trooper Sarah Clayson

Chapter 1: A Quiet Evening, A Sudden Tragedy

The sun was setting over Richland, Washington, and the air was tinged with the chill of early spring. For Jose Sanchez, a recent high school graduate and forklift operator at Lamb Weston, it was just another evening. He asked his stepfather for permission to take his motorcycle for a short ride around the neighborhood—a routine he’d followed since getting the bike, always checking in before heading out.

At the same time, Trooper Sarah Clayson, a veteran public information officer with the Washington State Patrol, was off duty and heading home. According to her later statements, she had just picked up a pizza from Domino’s, her thoughts on dinner and family. Her route took her westbound on State Route 240, approaching the intersection with Village Parkway, the turn to her own quiet street.

What happened next would change countless lives.

As Clayson entered the left turn lane, she saw what she thought was a car with one headlight out, just past a reflective sign. She was slowing, judging the distance as she had countless times before. “I thought I had enough time,” she later told police. But as she turned, the reality hit—a motorcycle, not a car, was closing the gap faster than she realized.

Jose, seeing the SUV turning into his path, slammed on his brakes. The impact was immediate and violent. The motorcycle became trapped under the front passenger side of Clayson’s SUV. Jose was thrown into the roadway.

Chapter 2: The Scene Unfolds

Paramedics arrived within minutes. Jose was barely alive, his injuries catastrophic. Clayson, herself a trained first responder, was performing CPR when help arrived. Fluids from both vehicles spread across the road, and witnesses described the chaos: “We could see him here and then her car… she was trying to get out of the way… whatever bike he’s on is trapped under that car.”

Despite the efforts of paramedics, Jose did not survive.

The initial investigation fell to state troopers, but because one of their own was involved, jurisdiction was quickly handed over to the Richland Police Department. Officer Steve Hyde was tasked with interviewing Clayson and reconstructing the events that led to the crash.

Chapter 3: Questions and Contradictions

Clayson’s demeanor was calm, but officers noted signs that something was off. She refused to perform field sobriety tests, a decision that—while legally voluntary—raised eyebrows given her role as a law enforcement officer. “It seems problematic that a state trooper, someone who uses these tests in her own work, would not be willing to submit to them,” observed Andrea Burkhart, a local defense attorney.

Clayson was placed in handcuffs and taken to the station, where police wrote up a search warrant for a blood draw. She was booked on a 72-hour felony hold, with probable cause for a crime. A judge released her on her own recognizance, noting her community ties and cooperation at the scene. Still, her release came with conditions: Clayson was required to install an ignition interlock device—essentially a breathalyzer—on any vehicle she drove.

Chapter 4: The Legal Maze

Clayson was placed on administrative leave from the Washington State Patrol, where she had served for over a decade. Meanwhile, a special prosecutor was brought in to determine whether vehicular homicide charges should be filed. Her defense attorney insisted there was not enough evidence to charge her with anything, and for now, Benton County court records listed the case as “pre-file.”

But the legal drama was just beginning.

Jose Sanchez’s family, devastated by the loss, turned to the courts for answers. Born in Venezuela, Jose had come to the United States for a better life. His mother, represented by a local law firm, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Clayson and her husband, Trent, in Benton County.

Chapter 5: The Lawsuit and Its Implications

The lawsuit laid out the family’s case in stark terms: “Defendant Sarah Clayson, while driving intoxicated or otherwise impaired, made a left turn in front of Jose Sanchez without yielding the right of way, causing his motorcycle to collide with Clayson’s vehicle in the right side front bumper and become wedged partially underneath the engine compartment. The force of the impact caused Jose Sanchez’s death.”

It continued: “Defendant Sarah Clayson had a duty to exercise ordinary care while operating a motor vehicle on public roadways, including the duty to observe all common law, statutory, and regulatory law with regard to safe operation of vehicles. Defendant Sarah Clayson breached this duty when she operated her vehicle while intoxicated and crashed into Jose Sanchez’s vehicle.”

Washington is a community property state, meaning both spouses can be held liable for damages incurred during the marriage. Naming Trent Clayson in the lawsuit was routine, ensuring any potential judgment could be enforced against both parties.

Chapter 6: Evidence and Investigation

As the investigation unfolded, police reports and newly released body cam footage provided glimpses into the critical moments after the crash. Officers noted that Clayson’s answers seemed at odds with her law enforcement experience. She repeatedly claimed she thought the oncoming vehicle was a car with one headlight out, but as the officer wrote, “Whether it was a motorcycle or a four-wheel vehicle, nothing would change regarding her responsibility to yield the right of way.”

Clayson’s written statement, composed over nearly 18 minutes, consisted of just six sentences—short and lacking in detail. The officer found this odd, given the gravity of the situation and the time she spent writing.

Was Clayson intoxicated? Was she simply being cautious, minimizing her responsibility, or shifting blame? The body cam footage showed her slurring words at moments, but the evidence was not definitive.

Chapter 7: The Blood Test Backlog

One critical piece of evidence—the result of Clayson’s blood alcohol test—remained pending. Due to a backlog at the Washington State Patrol toxicology lab, it could take months for results to be processed. By law, only the state laboratory can test blood samples for alcohol in prosecution cases, and the lab was reportedly nearly a year behind.

This delay frustrated both the prosecution and the defense, leaving the case in limbo. The community watched and waited for answers that were slow to arrive.

Chapter 8: Community in Turmoil

As the investigation dragged on, the Richland community found itself divided and uneasy. News outlets covered every development, and social media buzzed with speculation. Some residents expressed sympathy for Trooper Clayson, pointing to her years of service and her actions at the scene—performing CPR, cooperating with officers, and maintaining composure. Others felt strongly that law enforcement should be held to the highest standard, especially when a life was lost.

Jose Sanchez’s family, meanwhile, struggled to cope. His mother shared memories of his bright spirit and ambition, writing on GoFundMe, “He was a bright and loving soul who brought joy to everyone around him, and his absence has left a void that we cannot begin to describe.” The fundraiser quickly gained support, with friends, coworkers, and strangers donating to help cover funeral expenses.

Chapter 9: The Search for Answers

Detectives worked tirelessly to reconstruct the accident. They reviewed traffic camera footage, mapped out the scene, and interviewed witnesses. The evidence painted a complicated picture: Jose was inexperienced, having driven the motorcycle only a handful of times, and did not possess the endorsement required in Washington to operate a motorcycle legally. He’d left home just as dusk approached, planning only a short ride around the neighborhood.

But the most pressing questions remained: Was Trooper Clayson impaired? Had she exercised enough caution when making that left turn? Was Jose riding recklessly, or simply caught in a tragic moment?

The police report noted that Clayson failed to yield to oncoming traffic—a violation of traffic law, but not necessarily enough to prove recklessness or criminal intent. The law required proof of intoxication, reckless driving, or disregard for safety to pursue a vehicular homicide charge.

Chapter 10: Legal Strategy and Maneuvering

Andrea Burkhart, defense attorney and local resident, watched the case unfold with keen interest. “There are multiple ways to establish vehicular homicide in Washington,” she explained on Law & Crime’s Sidebar podcast. “If prosecutors don’t rely on alcohol consumption, then it becomes a question of driving behavior. Violating a traffic law is usually not enough—you need conduct like extreme speed, veering, or putting others in serious danger.”

The prosecution, meanwhile, prepared for every possibility. If Clayson’s blood test came back over the legal limit, the case for vehicular homicide would be strong. If not, they could still pursue charges of criminal negligence or involuntary manslaughter.

Clayson’s refusal to take field sobriety tests became a focal point. To defense attorneys, it was a smart legal move—Washington law makes these tests voluntary, and they rarely benefit the accused. To prosecutors, it looked suspicious, especially coming from a veteran trooper who routinely administered such tests herself.

Chapter 11: The Lawsuit Expands

The wrongful death lawsuit pressed forward. Attorneys for Jose’s mother argued that Clayson had breached her duty of care by driving while impaired and failing to yield. They outlined the damages: medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering.

Because Washington is a community property state, Clayson’s husband was named as a defendant. This ensured that any judgment would be enforceable against marital assets, a standard practice in cases involving significant claims.

The defense countered, emphasizing Clayson’s cooperation, her lack of prior incidents, and the possibility that Jose’s inexperience contributed to the crash. They argued that responsibility should be shared, and any damages reduced accordingly.

Chapter 12: The Waiting Game

Months passed. The toxicology lab remained backed up, and the blood test results were still pending. The community’s patience wore thin, and the Sanchez family’s grief deepened with every delay.

In court, both sides prepared for a long battle. Prosecutors gathered expert witnesses, accident reconstruction specialists, and medical professionals. The defense assembled their own team, ready to challenge every detail.

The story became a symbol—a reminder of the complexities of justice, the pain of loss, and the importance of accountability.

Chapter 13: The Human Element

Behind the headlines and legal arguments, real people struggled to move forward. Trooper Clayson, suspended from duty, faced the loss of her career and the weight of public scrutiny. Jose’s family found comfort in their community, but nothing could fill the void left by his absence.

Richland itself changed. Motorists drove more cautiously through the intersection where the crash occurred, and neighbors spoke quietly about the tragedy that had touched their town.

Chapter 14: The Evidence Emerges

After months of anticipation, the toxicology results finally arrived. The lab report showed that Trooper Clayson’s blood alcohol level was above the legal limit for driving in Washington. The findings were clear and damning, providing prosecutors with the evidence they needed to formally pursue a vehicular homicide charge.

The community’s reaction was swift. Many who had previously defended Clayson now questioned her judgment. The Richland Police Department released a statement reaffirming their commitment to an impartial investigation, regardless of the suspect’s law enforcement background.

For Jose’s family, the results brought a bittersweet sense of validation. Their wrongful death lawsuit gained new momentum, and public support for their cause grew.

Chapter 15: Courtroom Confrontations

The criminal case moved forward. Clayson’s attorney argued that her behavior at the scene—calling 911, performing CPR, and cooperating with officers—demonstrated remorse and responsibility. They pointed out that the intersection was known for its poor visibility, and that Jose’s lack of experience and proper motorcycle endorsement may have contributed to the tragedy.

Prosecutors countered with the facts: Clayson had been driving under the influence, failed to yield, and made decisions that led directly to Jose’s death. They presented body cam footage showing her slurred speech and reluctance to take sobriety tests.

The judge listened carefully, weighing the evidence and the arguments. The courtroom was tense, filled with family members, reporters, and community supporters.

Chapter 16: The Civil Suit Unfolds

Parallel to the criminal trial, the wrongful death lawsuit moved through the civil courts. Attorneys for Jose’s mother laid out the emotional and financial toll of her son’s death. They called witnesses to testify about his character, his dreams, and the impact of his loss.

The defense focused on comparative negligence, arguing that Jose’s lack of a motorcycle endorsement and his inexperience should reduce the damages awarded. Washington’s laws allowed the jury to assign percentages of fault to each party, and the outcome would depend on their assessment of the evidence.

Chapter 17: Seeking Accountability

The trials became a focal point for broader conversations about road safety, law enforcement accountability, and community healing. Advocacy groups used the case to push for stricter DUI enforcement and improved intersection safety.

The Washington State Patrol reviewed its internal policies, emphasizing the importance of integrity and responsibility—on and off duty. Training programs were updated to address the risks of impaired driving and the need for transparency during investigations.

Chapter 18: Personal Reckoning

As the legal proceedings continued, Trooper Clayson faced her own reckoning. She issued a public statement expressing deep remorse for her actions, acknowledging the pain she had caused, and pledging to accept the consequences.

Jose’s family found solace in their memories and the support of their community. They established a scholarship fund in his name, hoping to turn their grief into something positive for others.

Richland, once shaken by tragedy, began to heal. The intersection where the crash occurred was improved with new signage and lighting, and local schools hosted workshops on safe driving and responsible decision-making.

Chapter 19: The Verdict

The final day in court arrived. The air was heavy with expectation as the jury filed into the room, faces solemn, eyes focused. Jose’s family clung to each other, hopeful for justice. Trooper Clayson sat quietly, her attorney at her side, awaiting the outcome that would define her future.

After hours of deliberation, the jury delivered their decision: Guilty of vehicular homicide. The judge read the verdict aloud, and the room fell silent. Clayson bowed her head, tears in her eyes. Jose’s mother wept openly, her grief mingled with relief. The verdict was a clear statement—no one, regardless of their position, was above the law.

Chapter 20: Civil Justice

In the civil courtroom, the wrongful death lawsuit reached its conclusion. The jury found Clayson and her marital community liable for damages. They weighed the facts—Jose’s inexperience, his lack of motorcycle endorsement, and Clayson’s impaired driving—and assigned fault accordingly. The financial award would help Jose’s family cover funeral expenses and begin the long process of healing.

But the true victory was not monetary. It was the recognition of Jose’s life, the affirmation that his loss mattered, and the message that accountability must be upheld.

Chapter 21: Aftermath and Reflection

Trooper Clayson was sentenced to prison and ordered to participate in substance abuse counseling. Her career in law enforcement was over, her reputation forever changed. The Washington State Patrol launched a review of its policies, reinforcing the need for integrity, transparency, and responsibility among its officers.

Jose’s family established a scholarship in his honor, supporting young people interested in road safety and community service. Their pain remained, but their hope for change endured.

Richland, scarred but resilient, found new unity. The intersection where the crash occurred was improved, and local advocacy groups continued their push for safer roads and stricter DUI enforcement.

Chapter 22: Lessons Learned

The case became a symbol—a reminder of the fragility of life, the importance of choices, and the necessity of justice. It sparked conversations about law enforcement accountability, the dangers of impaired driving, and the power of community support.

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

Epilogue: Moving Forward

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.

The story of Jose Sanchez and Trooper Sarah Clayson is not just a headline—it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that every life matters, and that healing, accountability, and hope are possible—even after the darkest moments.