In the quiet expanse of Smith Valley, Nevada, a simple act of kindness on September 10, 2020, tragically ended the life of 36-year-old Zachary Sanchez. A truck driver from Silver Springs, Sanchez was on his way home after making a delivery in California. His journey was interrupted when he came across what appeared to be a single-vehicle accident on State Route 338. A man named Matthew Strain, 29, of Sun Valley, was on foot after crashing his own vehicle. It is believed that Sanchez, in a selfless act, stopped his rig to offer assistance to the stranded motorist.
The situation took a dark and unexpected turn when Strain allegedly shot Sanchez, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe Strain's intention was to steal Sanchez's truck. This violent encounter was witnessed in part by another truck driver who also stopped to help. Strain then turned his aggression towards the second driver, holding him at gunpoint and pistol-whipping him in an attempt to hijack his vehicle. The arrival of a third vehicle distracted Strain, allowing the second driver to escape into the nearby farmland.
Law enforcement from multiple agencies, including the Lyon County Sheriff's Office and the Nevada Highway Patrol, responded to multiple 911 calls about an active shooter. Upon their arrival, they found Strain attempting to hide and took him into custody without further incident. Strain was subsequently charged with open murder, battery with a deadly weapon, and attempted robbery with a deadly weapon. He was booked into the Lyon County Jail on a no-bail hold. While a clear motive for the senseless act of violence remains elusive, investigators have considered that mental health issues or drug use may have been contributing factors in Strain's behavior that fateful night.
