Homicide Investigation Out of Esmeralda County | News

The Esmeralda County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting and crash where one person was killed just before 3 a.m. on January 18, 2024.

Deputies say a man was found dead in his tow truck on U.S. 95 near mile marker 23, north of Goldfield, after a suspect crashed into the back of it.

The victim was a local tow company owner/driver and resident of Goldfield.

Officials say the suspected shooter had also shot at the victim’s son, who had come to help, and his truck. The son was able to escape by driving in reverse for a while until his vehicle died.

Nevada State Police Highway Patrol, Nye County Sheriff’s Office and Esmeralda County Sheriff’s Office responded and found that the suspect, Brandon Joesph Zajac, had ran away.

Just before 10 a.m., there was a reported sighting of Zajac on foot just outside of Goldfield, and soon after, he was seen driving south from Goldfield in a silver Toyota Tundra that deputies say he stole from a home in Goldfield.

Around 10:08 a.m., Zajac was apprehended at gun point by a Nevada State Police Captain just ahead of the road closure at U.S. 95 and the Lida Junction at Nevada State Route 266. 

U.S.95 was closed from Tonopah Summit to the Lida Junction at Nevada State Route 266 during the hours-long search for the suspect. Esmeralda County residents were advised to shelter in place via radio, social media and a local public safety alert.

Notifications were also specifically made to Esmeralda County employees, including those of the Courthouse and the Esmeralda County School District.

Brandon Joesph Zajac was booked at the Esmeralda County Jail and is currently being held at the Nye County Detention Center in Pahrump.

Charges: 

1.  Open Murder

2.  Attempted Murder

3.  Battery with Deadly Weapon

4.  Grand Larceny of Motor Vehicle with Deadly Weapon

(The Esmeralda Sheriff's Office assisted with this report.)