RICHLAND – A Richland mother is still waiting to learn if and when criminal charges will be filed against a Washington State Patrol trooper involved in the death of her son more than six months ago. The case, which has drawn widespread community attention, is being handled by Spokane County prosecutors to avoid conflicts of interest in Benton County.
The crash occurred on March 1 when Trooper Sarah Clasen, driving a Kia Telluride, turned toward her home in Richland’s Horn Rapids neighborhood and collided with an oncoming motorcycle. The motorcyclist, Sanchez Barbosa, was fatally injured and later pronounced dead at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. Investigators determined Clasen had spent nearly four hours at a Richland bar with her husband prior to the crash. She declined to answer questions from Richland police at the scene about possible alcohol use but said she did not feel impaired.
Clasen has remained on paid administrative leave from the State Patrol while the case has moved slowly through the legal system. The delay has raised growing concern among residents across the Tri-Cities, with many questioning why charges have not yet been filed. Public interest has intensified each time another fatal crash is reported in the area, with readers frequently asking online about the status of the trooper’s case…